Ramaphosa activates global damage control as South Africa's anti-immigrant attacks spark continental backlash

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced plans to dispatch envoys across Africa and other parts of the world as Pretoria moves to contain the diplomatic fallout from a fresh wave of anti-immigrant violence that has triggered concern among several African governments.

• President Cyril Ramaphosa announced South Africa will send envoys across Africa and globally to address the fallout from recent anti-immigrant violence.
• The initiative aims to engage regional and international partners to manage tensions around migration and attacks on foreign nationals.
• Several African governments, including Malawi, Mozambique, and Ghana, have begun repatriating citizens from South Africa and offering assistance.
• Ramaphosa emphasized that most South Africans are not xenophobic and reiterated the government's commitment to resolving these issues and restoring regional confidence.

Speaking alongside Kenyan President William Ruto in Pretoria on Thursday, Ramaphosa said South Africa would engage regional and international partners to address growing tensions surrounding migration and attacks on foreign nationals.

"There will be envoys, yes, there will be people that we will send around not only on the continent but also around the world," Ramaphosa said.

DON'T MISS THIS: South Africa's tourism sector takes a hit as African travellers cancel trips over anti-migrant unrest

The South African leader added that migration had featured prominently in discussions with Ruto, arguing that the issue required a coordinated response from governments across Africa and beyond as per Reuters.

"What we seek to do is to get the issue of migration properly addressed... we should get as many key role players, countries, to work together," he said.

The diplomatic outreach comes as several African nations have begun taking concrete steps to protect citizens living in South Africa amid renewed reports of attacks targeting migrants.

African governments move to protect citizens

Malawi this week announced plans for a voluntary repatriation exercise for citizens wishing to return home from South Africa. In a statement, Lilongwe said it was making arrangements to provide consular assistance and logistical support to affected nationals.

DON'T MISS THIS: Another African nation announces evacuation plans as anti-migrant violence grips South Africa

Mozambique has also initiated the return of its citizens following the violence. Authorities reported that at least seven Mozambicans had died, including five killed in xenophobic attacks and two who died in a road accident while attempting to return home.

Hundreds have already crossed back into Mozambique, while hundreds more are being repatriated from temporary shelters in South Africa.

Ghana has emerged as one of the most visible responders to the crisis. The government has already facilitated the return of hundreds of citizens from South Africa and continues to coordinate with diplomatic missions and community leaders as more nationals register for assistance.

The latest developments have revived memories of previous waves of xenophobic violence in South Africa, notably in 2008, 2015 and 2019, which left dozens dead, displaced thousands, and strained Pretoria's relations with several African countries..

DON'T MISS THIS: South Africa’s xenophobia crisis deepens as Ghana rushes to evacuate over 300 citizens

Seeking to reassure African partners, Ramaphosa stressed that the actions of violent groups do not reflect the views of most South Africans.

"As South Africa, we are addressing this matter," he said. "South Africans are not xenophobic. South Africans are Africans. They want to live with other Africans peacefully."

Whether the diplomatic offensive succeeds may depend on how quickly South Africa can restore confidence among neighboring countries increasingly concerned about the safety of their citizens.