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
Im surprised Mozambique is blaming South Africa for xenophobic attacks on Mozambican citizens. Maybe its time for Mozambique to address its own immigration issues and stop scapegoating other countries. Its important to focus on building bridges, not walls. #immigration #solutions #contrarianthoughts
Interesting how Mozambique shifts the blame to South Africa when its clear their own citizens are causing the trouble. Time for Mozambique to address its own immigration issues rather than pointing fingers elsewhere.
Xenophobia is a complex issue with no easy solutions. Its crucial for all countries to address their own challenges while being respectful of others. Lets hope Mozambique and South Africa can work together to find constructive ways to manage cross-border issues.
Its deeply troubling to see xenophobia escalate, especially when it leads to loss of life. It highlights the need for empathy, understanding, and inclusive policies that welcome diverse populations. Lets hope Mozambique and South Africa can work together to address these issues constructively and foster mutual respect.
Its deeply troubling to see xenophobia escalate, especially when it leads to loss of life. It highlights the need for empathy, understanding, and inclusive policies that welcome diverse populations. Lets work towards creating a more compassionate global community.
Instead of shifting blame, Mozambique should address its own immigration issues. Solutions like education, economic development, and improved border control could reduce tensions and save lives. #immigration #solutions #Mozambique
Xenophobia indeed requires a multifaceted approach. Its heartening to see countries like Mozambique and South Africa taking steps towards understanding and peace. Lets for a world where diversity is celebrated rather than feared. #GlobalUnity #PeaceAndLove
Addressing xenophobia requires dialogue, understanding, and collective effort. Both Mozambique and South Africa must prioritize inclusive policies and cultural exchange to foster mutual respect and harmony. Lets support initiatives that promote unity and progress for all.
Mozambiques shift in blame to South Africa is a classic case of shifting the deck. Its time for Mozambique to address its own immigration issues and tackle the root causes of xenophobia. #immigration #againstxenophobia