South Africa’s president acknowledges rising tensions over migration
8 reported
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged rising tensions over migration in a Sunday speech on national television, promising to address concerns about illegal migration. Anti-immigrant protests have increased in Africa’s most advanced economy, with groups setting a June 30 deadline for foreign nationals in the country illegally to leave. Ramaphosa said concerns about migration are legitimate but warned against vigilante action, stating only authorized officials can enforce the law. The country has a history of xenophobic violence, including 2008 attacks that killed over 60 people. Several African nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Mozambique, reported that their citizens have faced threats and violence in South Africa. Mozambique said five of its citizens were killed in what it called xenophobic attacks in Mossel Bay. Ramaphosa noted weaknesses in past migration management and said the government will take decisive action.
What’s reported
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed migration tensions in a Sunday national television speech.
Anti-migrant protest groups set a June 30 deadline for foreign nationals in South Africa illegally to leave.
Ramaphosa said concerns about migration are legitimate but warned against taking the law into one’s own hands.
In 2008, more than 60 people were killed in what rights groups called xenophobic attacks on foreigners.
Ghana repatriated around 300 of its citizens from South Africa last month due to threats.
Mozambique reported five of its citizens killed in xenophobic attacks in Mossel Bay.
South Africa’s coalition government says it deported over 100,000 people in the last two years for being in the country illegally.
Ramaphosa said about 450,000 people trying to enter South Africa without documents were stopped at the border in the last year.
Key figures
President Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa)
Sources: abcnews.com
