African migrants in South Africa are living in a state of intense fear after a series of protests calling for the expulsion of illegal immigrants reignited long-standing xenophobic sentiments in the country. The group 'March and March', leading these protests, has issued a warning to illegal migrants to leave the country by June 30, without clarifying what will happen to those who do not comply.
It is noteworthy that the Mozambican government confirmed the deaths of five of its citizens in 'xenophobic attacks' at the end of May. The South African police also reported the deaths of two Mozambicans and a South African during a wave of violence in the coastal city of Mossel Bay.
Details of the Protests
In the context of these events, around 100 individuals from Mozambique and Malawi sought refuge in a municipal hall in the town of Kleinmond after angry crowds informed them they needed to leave the area. Many expressed their desire to seek assistance from their governments to return home, with Ghana arranging flights for several hundred of its citizens to leave South Africa.
An Ethiopian businessman who moved to South Africa in 2000 stated, 'Every day, every person I meet lives in extreme fear.' He pointed out that the situation is not solely due to a lack of legal documents, but because legal documentation does not protect against violence.
Historical Context
Historically, South Africa has attracted migrant labor, particularly for work in the mines. After the end of white minority rule in 1994, Nelson Mandela welcomed African migrants. However, poverty and economic crises in many neighboring countries, including hyperinflation in Zimbabwe, have driven many to migrate south.
Widespread unemployment and inequality have led many South Africans to blame African migrants for their problems, resulting in periodic outbreaks of hatred. The riots in 2008 resulted in the deaths of 62 people, including 21 South Africans, and displaced over 150,000 individuals. In 2015, at least five people were killed in similar acts of violence.
Consequences and Impact
Statistics indicate that the percentage of South Africans who expressed welcoming attitudes toward all migrants dropped from a quarter of the population in 2020 to 15% last year, according to studies conducted by the National Council for the Humanities. The unemployment rate has risen by 3.4 percentage points to reach 43.1% since 2020.
Sharon Ikamparam, who leads the refugee and migrant program at 'Lawyers for Human Rights', stated, 'People are struggling to hold the government accountable, and it is easier to blame migrants.' Additionally, the number of foreign-born residents in South Africa has nearly doubled to 2.4 million between 1996 and 2022, representing 3.9% of the total population.
Impact on the Arab Region
These events serve as a wake-up call for many Arab countries facing similar challenges in dealing with migration and asylum issues. As economic and political crises increase in some Arab nations, more citizens may turn to migration, complicating the social and political landscape in the region.
In conclusion, the events in South Africa reflect the ongoing challenges faced by migrants and highlight the urgent need to address migration issues in a humane and fair manner, considering the rights of all individuals regardless of their legal status.