Ghana evacuates 300 citizens from South Africa amid rising anti-immigrant tensions

The government of Ghana has announced the evacuation of 300 of its citizens from South Africa following a surge in anti-immigrant tensions and sporadic violence targeting foreign nationals in several major cities.

Authorities confirmed that the operation, approved Tuesday, was authorized by President John Dramani Mahama after Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria received distress reports from citizens, describing the move as a precautionary humanitarian measure amid growing fears within migrant communities.

Ghana approves emergency evacuation

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the evacuation received immediate presidential approval after approximately 300 Ghanaians sought consular support due to worsening insecurity and intimidation in parts of South Africa.

The ministry said Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, is coordinating return flights and support arrangements for affected citizens.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry had earlier issued a public advisory in late April urging citizens in South Africa to remain calm, avoid areas of unrest, and register with diplomatic missions for assistance if needed.

Officials emphasized that, as of mid-May 2026, no deaths among Ghanaian nationals in South Africa had been confirmed.

South Africa rejects xenophobia accusations

The South African government rejected descriptions of the unrest as “xenophobic attacks,” stating that the protests are linked to domestic concerns over migration policy, unemployment, and pressure on public services.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on May 6 that “South Africans are not xenophobic,” describing the incidents as isolated protests protected under constitutional rights to assembly and expression.

He added that migration pressures are partly driven by instability, conflict, and governance challenges elsewhere on the continent, pushing migrants toward South Africa.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation said police deployments had been reinforced in major cities including Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria to contain violence and protect communities, stressing that criminal acts linked to protests are treated as isolated incidents rather than evidence of systematic anti-foreigner violence.

Diplomatic tensions intensify across Africa

The developments have raised diplomatic concerns across the continent, particularly among countries with large migrant communities in South Africa.

In late April, Ghana formally summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner in Accra to protest the treatment of its citizens and seek safety assurances.

Nigeria has also reportedly begun preparations for the voluntary evacuation of approximately 130 of its citizens who registered for assistance earlier in the month.

The issue is expected to feature prominently at the African Union mid-year coordination summit scheduled for June 2026 after Ghana requested its inclusion on the official agenda.

Regional analysts warn that the crisis could strain diplomatic relations between South Africa and several African states if attacks on foreign nationals continue.

Economic pressures fueling unrest

The tensions are unfolding against a backdrop of persistent economic hardship in South Africa, where unemployment remains among the highest globally.

Official figures place the unemployment rate at about 30%, with significantly higher levels among youth. Public frustration over limited economic opportunities has increasingly intersected with anti-immigration sentiment in some communities.

South Africa hosts more than three million registered foreign nationals, representing roughly five percent of the population. Protest groups have accused migrants of increasing pressure on housing, healthcare, public services, and informal economic sectors.

Observers say the current unrest mirrors previous waves of anti-immigrant violence in 2008, 2015, and 2019, which drew international condemnation and renewed debate over migration management and social cohesion.

Advisory for citizens remaining in South Africa

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has advised citizens remaining in South Africa to stay alert, monitor developments closely, avoid protest hotspots in Johannesburg and Durban, and maintain contact with the diplomatic mission in Pretoria.

Authorities said evacuation efforts remain ongoing as officials continue assessing the security situation and the needs of citizens in affected areas.

ظهرت المقالة Ghana evacuates 300 citizens from South Africa amid rising anti-immigrant tensions أولاً على African Percentions.