Mozambique has repatriated more than 700 of its citizens from South Africa’s Western Cape following a surge in xenophobic violence that has left several people dead and displaced hundreds.
Authorities said 169 citizens, including 16 minors, were repatriated in the past 24 hours as part of ongoing assistance efforts coordinated by Mozambique’s diplomatic and consular missions in South Africa. Additional groups continue to arrive as evacuation operations intensify.
The government said diplomatic procedures are also underway to bring home the bodies of six Mozambicans killed in the attacks, which erupted in Mossel Bay and spread to nearby areas including Hermanus.
According to a statement issued by the Mozambique Information Office, at least nine Mozambicans have died in the latest wave of xenophobic unrest, while more than 800 were affected by the violence on 29 May alone.
The violence has prompted thousands of Mozambicans living in South Africa to return home, according to the Presidency, amid growing fears of further attacks.
South African demonstrators have issued an ultimatum for all foreign nationals to leave KwaZulu‑Natal province by 30 June, heightening regional concern.
Xenophobic tensions remain a recurring challenge in South Africa, where foreign nationals – particularly from other African countries – have faced periodic outbreaks of violence.
The most serious incidents in recent years occurred in 2019 when 18 foreign nationals were killed, according to Human Rights Watch.
Countries such as Ghana, Malawi and Nigeria have also repatriated citizens in response to the unrest.
JN/APA