Malawians and Nigerians Flee South Africa Amid Xenophobic Threats
The Exodus from South Africa
More than 3,000 Malawians, including hundreds of children, are staying in an open field in South Africa’s port city of Durban, after fleeing escalating anti-immigrant threats and attacks.
The Repatriation Efforts
Nigeria repatriated a first group of 260 nationals on Thursday and plans to move out more of its citizens in the coming days. Ghana, Mozambique and Malawi have carried out similar operations in recent weeks.
The Data Analysis
- 3,000 Malawians have fled to an open field in Durban.
- 260 Nigerians repatriated on Thursday.
- 1,000 Nigerian citizens have expressed desire to leave South Africa.
The Impact Analysis
The unrest is pushing thousands to seek an escape. For weeks, groups armed with sticks, whips and shields have marched through parts of South Africa demanding that foreigners with no papers leave by June 30.
The Prediction
The latest flare-up comes as political parties campaign ahead of local government elections in November. South Africa has faced recurring waves of xenophobic violence since 2008, when dozens of migrants were killed and thousands displaced.