Malawi Moves To Evacuate Citizens As Xenophobic Violence Against African Migrants Escalates In South Africa

 Malawi Moves To Evacuate Citizens As Xenophobic Violence Against African Migrants Escalates In South Africa

Lilongwe Malawi , 2nd June 2026

The Government of Malawi has announced plans to begin the voluntary evacuation of its citizens from South Africa amid growing concerns over renewed xenophobic attacks and vigilante violence targeting African migrants in several communities across the country.

The move comes as reports of intimidation, assaults, destruction of property, and anti-immigrant demonstrations continue to raise alarm among African governments and migrant communities living in South Africa.

In an official statement released by Malawi's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, authorities confirmed that they have been closely monitoring the situation and are taking urgent diplomatic and consular measures to safeguard Malawian nationals who may be affected.

According to the ministry, Malawi's diplomatic missions in South Africa have already intensified engagement with members of the Malawian diaspora to assess the scale of the crisis and identify those requiring assistance.

"Through the Malawian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg, the Ministry has maintained contact with leaders of Malawian community groups in South Africa in order to assess the situation and provide the necessary support to those affected," the statement noted.

The government further revealed that it has engaged South African authorities at the highest diplomatic levels regarding the incidents. Officials described the discussions as constructive and reflective of the long-standing relationship between both countries.

Malawi praised the South African government for responding positively to concerns raised over the attacks and for taking steps aimed at restoring calm and protecting foreign nationals.

"The Ministry commends the Government of the Republic of South Africa for taking decisive measures to address the concerns raised by the Republic of Malawi," the statement added.

As fears continue to spread among migrant communities, Malawi disclosed that arrangements are underway to provide direct assistance to affected citizens. A voluntary repatriation programme is expected to commence soon for Malawians who wish to return home but require government support to do so.

Authorities stressed that the evacuation exercise is entirely voluntary and will only cover citizens who have formally expressed their willingness to return to Malawi.

"The Government will soon commence a voluntary repatriation exercise for Malawian nationals who have requested support for their return home," the ministry said.

Officials emphasized that no citizen would be forced to leave South Africa, describing the initiative as a humanitarian response designed to support vulnerable individuals facing uncertainty and insecurity.

The ministry also assured the public that comprehensive plans are being finalized to ensure that the repatriation process is conducted safely, orderly, and with the welfare of affected citizens as a top priority.

Details regarding transportation arrangements, registration procedures, and timelines are expected to be announced once preparations have been completed.

Meanwhile, Malawian authorities have issued a stern warning to citizens against falling victim to fraudsters who may attempt to exploit the situation by posing as government representatives.

The ministry clarified that it has not authorized any private individuals, agencies, or organizations to coordinate the evacuation programme on its behalf.

"Malawian nationals are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid being deceived by individuals falsely claiming to represent the government," the statement warned.

Citizens seeking information were urged to communicate only through official diplomatic channels, including the Malawian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg.

The development comes amid growing regional concern over the resurgence of xenophobic tensions in South Africa, a country that has witnessed periodic outbreaks of violence against foreign nationals over the past two decades.

Several African governments have begun taking precautionary measures to protect their citizens. Ghana has already evacuated approximately 300 of its nationals from South Africa following recent attacks, while authorities are processing requests from more than 1,500 additional citizens seeking assistance to return home.

Although plans for further evacuations are underway, logistical and legal challenges have reportedly delayed subsequent flights.

Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa, citing persistent risks including physical assaults, harassment, intimidation, and loss of property.

As concerns continue to mount across the continent, African governments are increasingly calling for stronger protections for migrants and renewed efforts to combat xenophobia, discrimination, and violence against foreign nationals living and working in South Africa.

For many migrants, the uncertainty has become a painful reminder of previous waves of xenophobic unrest, while governments race to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their citizens caught in the growing crisis.