South Africa has emerged as the centre of escalating tensions after Ghana revealed plans to evacuate 300 of its citizens, joining Nigeria, which has also begun arrangements to airlift nationals following a fresh wave of protests directed at foreign residents.
The Ghanaian government confirmed that it is preparing to evacuate 300 citizens currently living in South Africa due to recent anti-foreigner demonstrations.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced on X on Tuesday that President Nana Akufo-Addo had approved the “immediate evacuation” of affected Ghanaians.
Ablakwa explained that the citizens seeking assistance had registered with Ghana’s embassy in Pretoria after the foreign ministry issued an advisory in response to what it described as a renewed surge in xenophobic incidents.
South African government disputes reports of attacks
The demonstrations, which have spread across several South African cities, have heightened fears over the safety of immigrants and foreign nationals.
However, South African authorities have rejected widely circulated social media videos showing alleged attacks, insisting the footage is false and part of a misinformation campaign designed to inflame tensions.
South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, described the videos as fabricated and stressed that South Africa remains one of the few African nations that integrates refugees into society by allowing them to run businesses and participate in the economy.
Ramaphosa condemns violence
As criticism from across the continent intensified, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa denounced the violence, calling the incidents “isolated acts of criminality.”
In a statement issued on Monday, Ramaphosa said the unrest was being driven by opportunists exploiting genuine frustrations among poor communities while disguising their actions as community activism.
He added that the demonstrations do not represent official government policy and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to migration control, border security and law enforcement.
Economic pressures and xenophobia fuel protests
Anti-immigrant sentiment has remained a recurring issue in South Africa for years, often resulting in violence against migrants from other African countries. The country is home to more than three million foreign nationals, many of whom are believed to be undocumented.
The latest protests, which demand the deportation of undocumented migrants, have been fuelled by claims that illegal immigration is worsening unemployment, housing shortages and crime.
South Africa’s unemployment situation deteriorated further in early 2026, with the expanded unemployment rate climbing to 43.7% from 42.1% in the previous quarter.
The number of unemployed people also rose to 8.137 million, compared with 7.836 million recorded in late 2025.
Despite repeated reform promises, the official unemployment rate in South Africa has remained above 30% for more than five years, highlighting persistent economic challenges.
The scale of participation in the demonstrations reflects growing public frustration over immigration and economic conditions.
Regional response and evacuation measures
In reaction to the unrest and threats against their nationals, Ghana, Nigeria and several other African governments have intensified diplomatic engagement with South Africa.
Ghana has summoned South Africa’s ambassador and also written to the African Union, calling for broader continental discussions on the matter.
The Ghanaian government told the AU that the situation poses a serious threat to the safety of African citizens residing in South Africa.
Nigeria has similarly voiced concern over the security of its nationals. The Nigerian Senate has debated possible retaliatory actions, including a boycott of South African businesses operating in Nigeria such as MTN Group and DStv.
Nigeria’s foreign minister recently disclosed that around 130 Nigerians had already signed up for voluntary evacuation, with additional registrations expected.
Other countries including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have also issued advisories urging their citizens in South Africa to remain cautious.