A growing number of African countries are taking urgent steps to withdraw and protect their citizens from South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant protests that have shaken communities across the country.
Governments including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have issued travel warnings, activated emergency response measures and, in some cases, begun facilitating the return of their nationals after reports of attacks targeting foreign Africans living in South Africa.
The developments have triggered renewed concern about the safety of African migrants in the continent’s most industrialised economy and raised questions about the future of African unity and regional integration.
In one of the clearest signs of growing diplomatic alarm, Ghana confirmed that it had assisted in the safe evacuation of one of its citizens after a disturbing video circulated online showing a Ghanaian man being harassed by a hostile crowd demanding proof of his immigration status.
Nigeria has also announced plans to repatriate at least 130 of its citizens following violent incidents that reportedly led to the deaths of two Nigerians.
Other African governments have advised their citizens to remain indoors, avoid crowded areas and stay in close contact with embassies and consulates.
The tensions come amid renewed anti-immigrant protests in parts of South Africa, where some groups blame undocumented migrants for rising unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. South Africa’s unemployment rate remains above 30 percent, with young Black South Africans among the hardest hit.
Civil society organisations and migrant rights groups, however, say foreign nationals are increasingly being used as scapegoats for deeper economic and governance challenges facing the country.
Scenes circulating on social media have painted a worrying picture of fear and uncertainty among migrants. Videos showing foreign Africans being questioned, threatened and ordered to leave neighbourhoods have sparked outrage across the continent.
For many African governments, the situation has become too serious to ignore.
What began as cautionary travel advisories is now evolving into organised efforts to bring citizens home. Diplomats say several countries are reviewing evacuation plans while monitoring conditions on the ground.
Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa this week and appealed for calm and restraint, warning that continued violence could damage regional relations and economic cooperation within Southern Africa.
Ghana has meanwhile called on the African Union to intervene and engage South Africa on the growing crisis.
The latest unrest has also revived painful memories of previous xenophobic attacks that have periodically erupted in South Africa over the past two decades, often leaving dozens dead, businesses looted and thousands displaced.
Groups such as Operation Dudula have led aggressive campaigns against undocumented migrants, including attempts to block foreigners from accessing healthcare facilities and employment opportunities.
South Africa’s government has condemned violence against migrants while also acknowledging public frustration over illegal immigration.
In a cabinet statement, authorities said citizens had a right to protest against illegal immigration but stressed that violence and intimidation would not be tolerated and that law enforcement agencies would act against perpetrators.
Despite those assurances, anxiety continues to spread among foreign nationals living in the country.
South Africa remains home to millions of migrants from across the continent, attracted by its relatively larger economy and employment opportunities. According to Statistics South Africa, the immigrant population has steadily grown over the years, with many migrants originating from countries within the Southern African Development Community region.
But the current tensions risk undermining decades of African solidarity and regional cooperation.
Analysts warn that if the situation deteriorates further, more African governments could move from issuing warnings to organising large-scale evacuations of their citizens, potentially straining diplomatic ties and regional trade relations.
For ordinary Africans living and working in South Africa, the fear is becoming increasingly real.
Many migrants now find themselves trapped between economic hardship at home and growing hostility abroad — a reminder that the dream of a united and borderless Africa still faces serious challenges on the ground.