Ghana Begins Evacuation of Citizens Amid Renewed Xenophobic Violence in South Africa
- 7 hours ago
- 1 min read
The Ghanaian government has approved the emergency evacuation of about 300 citizens living in South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals and businesses in parts of the country
The directive was authorised by Ghana’s President, John Mahama, after growing concerns over the safety of Ghanaians residing in affected communities.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the development, stating that the stranded nationals had earlier registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria after the government issued safety advisories to citizens in South Africa.
According to the minister, arrangements are now being finalised to airlift the registered individuals back to Ghana as quickly as possible. He explained that the evacuation is part of measures to protect citizens facing threats and intimidation linked to anti-foreigner attacks.
The latest unrest has reportedly affected several communities, including parts of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, where foreign-owned shops and businesses have allegedly been targeted during violent incidents.
Ghanaian authorities said they remain committed to ensuring the safety of citizens abroad and will continue working through diplomatic channels to support affected nationals.
Other African countries are also responding to the situation. Nigeria recently announced plans to assist citizens willing to leave South Africa voluntarily after reports of renewed attacks surfaced.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed that more than 130 Nigerians had already indicated interest in returning home through the government-backed repatriation arrangement.
The Nigerian government has also reportedly set up emergency response and crisis support channels to assist citizens affected by the tensions in South Africa.
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