South Africa’s Ramaphosa Vows Crackdown on Xenophobic Attack Groups Amid Economic Woes

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to combat xenophobic violence. The crackdown comes as anti-immigrant protests tarnish the country’s reputation.

Five Mozambican citizens were killed during the violent protests. Ramaphosa vowed to act against groups exploiting concerns about illegal immigration for political, personal, and criminal ends. He emphasized that enforcing immigration laws is solely the state’s responsibility.

Xenophobic attacks are a recurring issue in South Africa, where immigrants often face blame for economic issues like high unemployment and crime.

The government plans to address migration through stricter regulations, law overhauls, and collaboration with other countries to tackle illegal immigration’s root causes. Policies include establishing dedicated courts for swift immigration case resolutions and upgrading identity documents from paper “green book” to secure biometric digital ID cards.

Ghana has petitioned the African Union regarding South Africa’s treatment of its citizens, according to Foreign Minister Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa. The country is compiling a list of assets lost by Ghanaians due to attacks in South Africa for potential future litigation.