A total of 150 Malawians returned to their home country on Monday. They were repatriated from South Africa due to rising worries about xenophobic violence. This action was confirmed by Malawian authorities.
The repatriation came after violence erupted in South Africa's Western Cape Province. Reports indicated door-to-door intimidation. Two Mozambicans had also died in Mossel Bay. The Malawians were among many foreign nationals seeking safety. They had gathered in temporary camps in Mossel Bay, according to a statement from Lilongwe.
This situation reflects broader regional distress. Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe have also organised similar repatriation efforts. These actions stem from serious concerns about xenophobia in South Africa. Anti-migrant groups have demanded that undocumented migrants leave the country. They have set June 30 as a deadline for this departure. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday. He announced new measures to control illegal migration. He also cautioned South Africans against vigilante actions. He stated there is no place for xenophobia or intolerance in the country.
The source material notes that 74 Zimbabweans also arrived home on Sunday. This followed xenophobic attacks in Mossel Bay. They were transported by Zimbabwean authorities. Ghana organised a repatriation flight from Johannesburg earlier. Nearly 300 Ghanaians returned on that flight. Another group of about 680 Ghanaians arrived in Accra over the weekend. Nigeria postponed its first evacuation flight for 270 citizens scheduled for Monday. This was due to logistical issues.
Nigeria's foreign affairs spokesperson stated the flight is now rescheduled for Wednesday. Over 500 Nigerians have been screened for return. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has approved five evacuation flights. The screening process is ongoing. The costs and economic impact of these repatriations are significant for the involved nations as they manage the return and reintegration of their citizens. These events underscore the challenges of migration management and social cohesion across Africa.