Five Mozambicans die in South Africa due to xenophobia

The Mozambique government has reported that at least five Mozambicans were killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa last weekend. This violence against black immigrants in South Africa continues to be a serious issue.

These deaths are the first officially confirmed by Mozambique during this latest wave of xenophobic violence. In April, two Nigerians were reportedly beaten to death by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.

Concerns about xenophobic violence in South Africa are rising. This has caused diplomatic tension among African nations, especially after videos showing hostility towards African expatriates were shared online. The videos showed some South Africans attacking and chasing away Black foreigners, telling them to leave.

According to the Mozambique government, around 800 Mozambicans were affected by the xenophobic violence that erupted in Mossel Bay on Friday.

"Regrettably, seven Mozambican citizens have died, five of them as a direct consequence of the xenophobic attacks and the other two as a result of a road accident when they were travelling in a private vehicle on their way back to Mozambique," the statement said.

Like other countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, the attacks have led the Mozambique government to start repatriation efforts. About 300 Mozambicans returned home on Saturday.

"The remaining just over 500 have since been sheltered in a safe location in the Western Cape Province. As of today, 1 June, the process of their repatriation to Mozambique is already underway," it said.

Ghana repatriated some of its citizens last week and started a job initiative to help the returnees find work. Nigeria has not yet repatriated any of its citizens but announced plans last month.

Ghana also advised its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to South Africa. They stated that black foreigners there face physical assaults and harassment. The country wrote to the African Union asking for xenophobic attacks to be discussed at the next summit.

Last month, Nigeria summoned the South African High Commissioner in Abuja. They demanded a full investigation into the deaths of two Nigerians allegedly killed by South African security forces.

Kenya has also advised its citizens to take safety precautions. They urged their people to avoid areas known to be dangerous for African immigrants.

As the situation continues, the Nigeria Police Force has warned Nigerians against any retaliation in Nigeria.

They said, "Reprisal attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech, or any conduct that threatens public peace and national security is unlawful and will not be tolerated."

The NPF assured the public that the government is “actively engaging relevant authorities through diplomatic, intelligence, and security channels to resolve the situation.”

They stated that "there is no cause for alarm" and emphasized that reprisal attacks against any South African in Nigeria are not allowed.