The Ghanaian Government initiated the repatriation of 300 citizens, including women and children, from Johannesburg on May 27, responding to escalating anti-immigrant violence and protests targeting Sub-Saharan African migrants.

Authorities clarified that the operation prioritizes individuals who have reported enduring persistent situations of harassment and threats, underscoring the precarious conditions faced by migrants.

This urgent measure directly addresses the escalating climate of insecurity fueled by a wave of protests and violent acts specifically targeting foreigners originating from Sub-Saharan Africa. Ghanaian citizens congregated at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport to undertake the voluntary journey back to their homeland, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

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Official reports indicate that both Ghanaian and South African nations are actively collaborating to compile a census. This survey already lists approximately 800 Ghanaians who intend to depart South African territory due to the ongoing violence.

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Ghana’s High Commissioner in Pretoria, Benjamín Kwachi, affirmed that the aerial evacuation seeks not only to provide immediate safety but also to alleviate the growing tensions and preserve the historically good bilateral relations between the two African nations.

Kwachi stated that, while many compatriots confirmed that they had not been attacked, they chose to leave because of insecurity. “Although we have excellent relations with South Africa, we had no choice but to ensure the safety of our citizens“, explained the Ambassador.

Spokespersons for the South African Government have, for their part, strongly condemned the aggressions perpetrated against migrant communities. They have emphatically reiterated that such acts of violence unequivocally violate the fundamental principles enshrined within the country’s Constitution, which advocates for equality and human dignity for all residing within its borders.

Ghana called on the African Union (AU) to address xenophobic attacks and send a “fact-finding mission” to South Africa, after the South African anti-immigration movement “March & March” in recent months called for protests, sometimes violent, against migrants, blaming them for the country’s economic problems, poor delivery of public services and high crime rates. However, organizations dedicated to defending migrants’ rights strongly condemn this narrative, asserting that foreigners are being utilized as convenient scapegoats to deflect attention from a national unemployment rate that exceeds 30%.

Xenophobic tensions are a recurring problem in South Africa, which hosts nearly three million people, 90% of whom come from other African nations. This has led to waves of violent protests, especially in the most vulnerable neighborhoods, with the worst being at the end of 2019 with 18 foreigners killed, according to data from the NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW).

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