Ghana has begun airlifting hundreds of its citizens from South Africa amid growing fears of xenophobic violence.
The voluntary repatriation effort follows weeks of rising anti-immigrant sentiment targeting African foreign nationals in several South African cities.
Many of the returnees, mostly traders and artisans, said they no longer felt safe as threats and isolated attacks spread across townships and business districts.
Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria confirmed that it coordinated the evacuation with South African authorities after receiving distress calls from citizens requesting immediate evacuation.
South Africa has witnessed recurring waves of xenophobic unrest since 2008, with foreign nationals frequently blamed for unemployment and crime. Human rights groups warn that inflammatory rhetoric online, combined with worsening economic hardship, is fueling the latest tensions, leaving migrants from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ghana and other African countries increasingly vulnerable.
The Ghanaian government said it would continue to monitor the situation and arrange additional flights if necessary, while urging calm and dialogue among African nations.
Officials stressed that protecting citizens abroad remains a priority, but noted that long-term solutions would require stronger regional cooperation on migration, economic inclusion and job creation.
Pretoria is yet to issue an official statement on the repatriation, though police authorities say patrols have been increased in identified flashpoint areas.
The African Union has repeatedly condemned xenophobic attacks and called on member states to uphold the principles of free movement and continental solidarity.
The evacuation also comes days after Africa Day celebrations highlighted calls for African unity and deeper continental integration. But for many returnees arriving in Accra, the contrast remains striking, a continent advocating unity while citizens flee neighboring countries over safety concerns.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
