Xenophobic violence in South Africa: migrants forced to flee to the mountains in the face of attacks

In South Africa, a new wave of xenophobic violence is forcing African migrants to flee their homes and hide in isolated areas, particularly in the mountains. In recent days, several immigrant communities have been targeted in sometimes violent anti-immigration protests in various coastal cities.

In Kleinmond, Western Cape province, migrants from Mozambique and Malawi, among other countries, were forced to abandon their homes after hostile groups went door-to-door demanding the departure of foreigners. Many have found refuge in municipal buildings while awaiting a more permanent solution.

Among the displaced people, Lado Amido, a 49-year-old Mozambican migrant, recounts fleeing his home after a threatening mob arrived. He explains that he spent two nights in the mountains before reaching a temporary shelter with other displaced people. According to his testimony, individuals broke into his home and seized his belongings.

In the same area, around a hundred migrants have gathered in a town hall in Kleinmond. Some hope to benefit from voluntary repatriation programs set up by their countries of origin, as the security situation remains uncertain in several localities in the region.

According to reports, the tensions have also caused casualties elsewhere in the country. Mozambique indicated that five of its citizens were killed in attacks in the town of Mossel Bay, heightening diplomatic and humanitarian concerns surrounding the crisis.

Xenophobic violence remains a recurring phenomenon in South Africa, often fueled by rhetoric linking immigration, unemployment, and crime, despite the lack of evidence establishing such a direct connection. These tensions, regularly exploited in political debate, continue to fuel episodes of violence in the lead-up to local elections.