The South African government intends to crack down on the groups responsible for xenophobic violence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday (7), at a time when anti-immigration protests are tarnishing the country’s reputation.
Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, and Mozambique are repatriating some of their citizens affected by the protests, which have at times escalated into acts of violence. Mozambique reported that more than five of its citizens have been killed.
“We will take action against the forces that are exploiting our people’s concerns regarding illegal immigration to advance their own political, personal, and criminal agendas,” Ramaphosa declared in a televised address, without specifying the measures to be taken.
“We will not, and cannot, allow groups to use the legitimate concerns of South Africans to destabilize our country by inciting disorder and violence,” he added.
The President also warned citizens not to approach people on public streets demanding identification documents, emphasizing that the enforcement of immigration laws is the exclusive responsibility of the state.
Xenophobic attacks are a recurring problem in South Africa, where immigrants are often blamed for economic hardships, such as high unemployment and crime. Migrant advocates consider these accusations unfair and claim that they are exploited by populist politicians.
“We will take action against those who are exploiting our people’s concerns about illegal immigration to advance their own political, personal, and criminal agendas”
Cyril Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa stated that migrants are being blamed for problems that stem from poverty and high unemployment.
According to the President, the government is taking steps to address migration, including stricter enforcement of regulations, a review of legislation, and cooperation with other countries to tackle the root causes of illegal immigration.
Ramaphosa also mentioned plans to establish specialized courts to expedite immigration proceedings, as well as the modernization of the paper identity document, known as the “green book,” used by South Africans and legal migrants. This document is being replaced by more secure biometric digital ID cards.
Ghana has submitted a petition to the African Union regarding the treatment of Ghanaian citizens in South Africa, Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa said on Saturday.
According to the official, a list of property lost by Ghanaian citizens as a result of the attacks in South Africa is also being compiled, for possible use in future legal proceedings.
Source: Reuters
