Malawi Repatriates 150 Citizens from South Africa After Violence

Malawi repatriated 150 of its citizens from South Africa on Monday, with the group returning by road after reports of xenophobia-related violence in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. Malawian authorities said the return followed incidents in Mossel Bay that drove foreign nationals to seek shelter in temporary camps. The repatriation comes as several African governments arrange returns for citizens amid rising anti-migrant tensions in parts of South Africa.

Officials said the latest movement of people followed reports of door-to-door intimidation in Mossel Bay and the deaths of two Mozambicans. The Malawians were described as being among foreign nationals who had taken refuge in temporary facilities before organizing their journey home.

Other countries have also arranged transport for their nationals. Zimbabwe facilitated the return of 74 citizens who arrived home on Sunday, while Ghana organised a repatriation flight from Johannesburg for nearly 300 citizens at the end of last month and received about 680 more over the weekend.

Regional evacuations expand as June 30 deadline looms

Nigeria has also launched repatriation efforts, with an initial evacuation flight for 270 citizens rescheduled from Monday to Wednesday because of logistical issues, according to officials. Authorities said more than 500 Nigerians have been screened and cleared for return, and President Bola Tinubu approved five evacuation flights in total.

The returns follow demands from anti-migrant groups in South Africa that undocumented migrants leave the country by a June 30 deadline. The groups have called for foreigners without legal status to depart and have pressed the government to intensify enforcement against illegal migration.

Ramaphosa condemns xenophobia while announcing enforcement steps

In a national address on Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned xenophobia and warned people not to take the law into their own hands. He also announced new measures aimed at cracking down on illegal migration, seeking to ease tensions while reinforcing border and immigration enforcement.

Officials across the region said screening and registration for those seeking evacuation is continuing, and further movements may depend on logistics and security conditions in South Africa in the run-up to June 30.