Over 160,000 foreigners flee South Africa due to violence

South Africa is one of the wealthiest countries on the continent and attracts many labor migrants. At the same time, the country is grappling with an unemployment rate of more than 30 percent and high crime figures, which provide fertile ground for xenophobic sentiment. Pressure on the political leadership is mounting because several neighboring states want to bring their citizens to safety.

Economic background

The AFP analysis is based on data from foreign governments that have recorded the return or onward migration of their nationals. It paints the most comprehensive picture to date of a migration movement of this scale that has not been observed since the severe unrest of 2008 and 2015. Observers see the figures as an indication of a crisis of trust between South Africa and its African neighbors.

Governments in Harare and Lilongwe organized repatriation programs weeks ago to take in stranded compatriots. In Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda as well, special buses and charter flights were deployed to support those wishing to leave. However, the capacity of these programs is reaching its limits in the face of the sheer number of returnees.

Scale of the flight movement

Among those who have fled are, according to estimates by aid organizations, many families with children, some of whom had been working in South Africa for years. Some report looting, arson attacks on homes and threats from armed groups. The South African government has declared parts of the affected areas restricted zones and deployed the military to support the police.

The country's chamber of commerce has warned of the consequences for industries such as mining, agriculture and services, which traditionally rely on foreign workers. Individual businesses in Johannesburg and Pretoria have already reported bottlenecks because employees no longer showed up for work. Business associations are calling for an end to the violence and reliable protective measures.

International reactions

International observers, including the African Union, have sharply condemned the incidents and called on the South African government to protect all people living on its territory. The United Nations offered humanitarian assistance for returnees in their countries of origin. Whether the wave of violence can be contained now depends largely on the behavior of the security forces and the outcome of the regional elections in November.