African Nations Warn Citizens Before June 30 South Africa Protests as Police Pledge Safety
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 26
African Nations Warn Citizens Before June 30 South Africa Protests as Police Pledge Safety
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 26
Summary
Ethiopia, Malawi, Ghana and Nigeria warned citizens in South Africa and stepped up contingency plans ahead of June 30 anti-immigration protests tied to a vigilante deadline for African migrants to leave.
South African police said they met protest leaders and secured commitments of peaceful marches, no looting and no violence, while promising to protect foreigners and enforce the law.
Malawi moved its returnee reception center closer to the border, Ghana was preparing more evacuations after nearly 1,000 citizens returned, and Nigeria said 66 more nationals had been repatriated in a second batch.
The alerts follow weeks of xenophobic attacks, harassment and looting that have driven some migrants from their homes and left others stranded in camps around Durban.
Can South Africa's government stop a repeat of its deadly xenophobic past before the June 30 deadline?
Migrants are blamed for economic woes, but will forcing them out actually worsen South Africa's crisis?
South Africa’s June 30, 2026 Anti-Immigrant Protests: Roots, Realities, and the High Stakes of Xenophobia
Overview
As South Africa nears the June 30, 2026 deadline, the country faces rising tensions due to planned anti-immigrant protests, rooted in long-standing challenges around migration, the economy, and politics. Authorities are ramping up security while thousands of migrants flee the country amid a surge in xenophobic violence. The "March and March" coalition is leading demands for stricter immigration enforcement, intensifying the situation. This volatile climate highlights deep divisions and the urgent need for effective government response, as South Africa braces for a critical moment that will test its ability to maintain peace and address underlying issues.