Ghana has initiated a significant operation to repatriate approximately 300 of its citizens from South Africa. This decision comes in response to a recent escalation of anti-foreign national demonstrations across the host country, which have raised serious safety concerns. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed on Tuesday that President Nana Akufo-Addo had given immediate authorization for the evacuation. The minister noted that the Ghanaian nationals, identified as “distressed,” had registered their details at the embassy in Pretoria, following a safety advisory issued by the foreign ministry amidst what are being described as xenophobic attacks.

The unrest in South Africa has seen thousands participate in protests calling for the mass deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. Demonstrators frequently voice grievances regarding the perceived strain on local employment opportunities, housing availability, and an increase in crime rates attributed to illegal immigration. Addressing the escalating situation, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated on Monday that the recent “protests and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals” do not reflect government policy, characterizing them as “isolated acts of criminality.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to “regulate migration, secure our borders and enforce our laws,” despite earlier denials by South African authorities that any attacks had taken place, with widely circulated videos dismissed as fake.

In light of the volatile situation, the Ghanaian embassy in South Africa issued a stark warning to its nationals, urging them to exercise extreme vigilance, prioritize personal safety, avoid public gatherings, and consider temporarily closing their businesses in Durban ahead of anticipated protests. On the diplomatic front, both Ghana and Nigeria have summoned South African envoys to convey their deep concerns regarding the alleged mistreatment and harassment of their respective citizens. Ghana has further escalated the matter by formally appealing to the African Union, advocating for a discussion on an issue it believes poses a “serious risk to the safety and wellbeing” of Africans residing in South Africa. In response, the South African government maintained its transparency, asserting it had “nothing to hide” and condemned the circulation of what it described as “fake videos and images” purporting to show attacks on foreign nationals.

South Africa, a nation hosting over three million officially registered foreigners—comprising approximately 5% of its population, with a significant number more believed to be undocumented—has a long-standing history of grappling with xenophobia. This underlying societal tension has periodically erupted into violent incidents and deadly attacks targeting foreign nationals. Amidst the current unrest, several other nations, including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, have also issued warnings to their citizens residing in South Africa, advising caution and vigilance.