Omanghana
The Ghana government has launched an emergency evacuation operation to repatriate approximately 300 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following renewed outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence and xenophobic unrest in several parts of the country.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that presidential authorization had been granted for the immediate rescue operation as security concerns intensified for Ghanaian residents and business owners living in South Africa.
According to officials, the affected citizens formally requested repatriation after registering with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria in response to urgent security advisories issued by Ghanaian authorities.
Government warnings reportedly advised Ghanaian nationals to temporarily shut down businesses and avoid public spaces, particularly in the port city of Durban and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where tensions have been highest.
The crisis has also prompted Ghana to formally petition the African Union to initiate emergency diplomatic discussions on the safety and protection of foreign nationals living in South Africa.
The unrest has triggered wider concern across sub-Saharan Africa, with multiple governments activating precautionary measures for their citizens residing in South Africa.
Nigeria has joined evacuation efforts, with at least 130 Nigerian nationals reportedly registering for immediate repatriation through Nigerian diplomatic missions.
Authorities in Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe have also issued urgent travel and safety advisories directing their citizens to remain indoors and exercise extreme caution until the security situation stabilizes.
Responding to the growing international concern, Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the attacks and described the violence as “isolated acts of criminality” rather than state-backed policy.
Ramaphosa nevertheless acknowledged growing domestic frustrations surrounding migration and border management, while reaffirming his government’s intention to tighten border controls and strengthen immigration enforcement measures.
The latest unrest has reignited long-standing debates across Africa over xenophobia, unemployment, migration pressures, and the protection of foreign workers and entrepreneurs living within the continent’s largest economies.
Source: Omanghana
