South Africa Races to Soothe Growing Tensions Ahead of Slated anti-Immigrant Rallies
More than 15,000 Malawians have already been processed to leave the country, with thousands more waiting in makeshift camps as officials strive to repatriate foreign nationals before an unofficial June 30 deadline set by citizen-led organizations.
The planned nationwide marches have stoked worries of further xenophobic violence, following weeks of turmoil that has already resulted in many deaths. Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are assisting their countrymen in returning home on their own initiative. In less than two weeks, almost 8,200 foreign nationals, including nearly 6,700 Malawians, were deported through the Beitbridge border crossing.
South African officials have decried vigilante tactics, stressing that individuals cannot enforce immigration laws. The tensions arise just months before local government elections and evoke memories of the devastating 2008 xenophobic attacks that killed 62 people. With marches scheduled for June 30, security forces are on high alert as the country prepares for another tumultuous chapter.
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