Mozambique says five citizens killed in ‘xenophobic attacks’ in South Africa
A protest against illegal immigration in Durban on 20 May. The rise in anti-immigrant tensions has been building for months. Photograph: Rajesh Jantilal/AFP/Getty Images View image in fullscreen A protest against illegal immigration in Durban on 20 May. The rise in anti-immigrant tensions has been building for months. Photograph: Rajesh Jantilal/AFP/Getty Images Mozambique says five citizens killed in ‘xenophobic attacks’ in South Africa About 800 Mozambicans said to be caught up in violence in Mossel Bay as anti-immigration protests sweep country Five Mozambique nationals were killed in “xenophobic attacks” in South Africa at the weekend, the Mozambican government said – the first deaths officially linked to protests against illegal immigration sweeping the country. About 800 Mozambican nationals were caught up in violence that broke out in the southern coastal city of Mossel Bay on Friday, a government statement said. The violence prompted 300 Mozambicans to return to their country by their own means on Saturday, it said. “Regrettably, seven Mozambican citizens have died, five of them as a direct consequence of the xenophobic attacks and the other two as a result of a road accident when they were travelling in a private vehicle on their way back to Mozambique ,” the statement said. It said the remaining 500 people affected “have since been sheltered in a safe location in the Western Cape province, and the process of their repatriation to Mozambique is already under way”. South African police said on Sunday they were investigating the deaths of two men at an informal settlement in Mossel Bay, a port town about 230 miles (380km) east of Cape Town. They did not give details and it was also not immediately clear what nationalities the two men were. The area’s mayor, Dirk Kotze, voiced “deep concern and dismay at the current xenophobic attacks where people have been murdered, houses burned and families displaced”. South Africa has long been a destination for documented and undocumented African workers. It has had repeated waves of xenophobic violence over the past decades, with undocumented migrants accused of crime and of taking jobs from locals. In 2008, 62 people including 21 South Africans were killed in anti-immigrant riots and thousands were displaced. Further outbreaks followed in 2015 and 2016. The latest rise in anti-immigrant tensions has been building for months and comes as political parties seek support ahead of local government elections due in November. One citizen-led group has issued an ultimatum for illegal migrants to be expelled by 30 June and there have been reports of groups checking the documentation of foreign nationals and forcing small businesses run by non-South Africans to close. The action has no official backing and has been criticised by the authorities. With tensions building, Ghana flew out 300 of its citizens last week and plans to take home hundreds more. Last month, several hundred foreign nationals from countries
Libertarians stand against the shackles of government-imposed borders, advocating for free migration. Xenophobia and violence against immigrants are grave violations of human rights and undermine the essence of a free society. We must condemn such acts and work towards inclusive policies that respect the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their origin.
Xenophobia is a dark cloud on our collective horizon. How can we build bridges instead of walls? Lets prioritize dialogue and understanding over fear.
Wow, what a shock! I had no idea South Africa was such a hotbed of xenophobia. I must say, the governments stance on border control really does shine a light on their commitment to protecting the national interest. #KeepBordersOpen #XenophobiaIsNotTheAnswer
Xenophobia and violence against immigrants are grave violations of human rights and undermine the fabric of our society. We must stand against such acts and promote policies that support free migration and integration, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of origin, are treated with dignity and respect.
Xenophobia is a global issue that requires international cooperation to address. Lets work together to create policies that promote inclusivity and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their origin.
Im sorry to hear that Mozambican citizens have been killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Its a tragic reminder of the ongoing challenges of xenophobia and racism around the world. Its important for all of us to work towards promoting tolerance, understanding, and inclusion for everyone, regardless of their background or nationality. May the victims families find solace and support during this difficult time.
As a libertarian, Id be curious to know if South Africas border policies are truly aimed at protecting national interests or if theyre more about controlling immigration for economic reasons. What are the long-term effects of such policies on the countrys economy and social fabric? #LibertarianThoughts
Xenophobia? More like xenofascism. South Africas anti-immigrant protests are a disturbing reminder of how far the far-right has strayed from the principles of tolerance and inclusivity. Its a shame that people are resorting to violence in the name of protecting their way of life.
Libertarians urge Mozambique and South Africa to uphold their commitments to freedom and human rights, condemning violence against immigrants and advocating for open borders as a path to peace and prosperity for all.