'We fear for our lives' - deadline for migrants to leave South Africa looms
Summary
Thousands of undocumented migrants in South Africa, mainly from neighboring African countries, face pressure to leave by a protest group’s deadline of June 30. Many migrants have experienced threats and violence, and some governments are arranging voluntary returns for their citizens. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa warned against blaming vulnerable people for the country’s economic problems.Key Facts
- Migrants, mostly from Malawi, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, have been threatened and forced to leave parts of South Africa, especially Durban.
- Some migrants have been attacked, and at least one person was hospitalized after a violent encounter.
- Protesters, like the group March and March, have set June 30 as the deadline for undocumented migrants to leave.
- The phrase "Mabahambe," meaning "They must go," is being used by protesters.
- About 3,500 migrants have volunteered to return to their home countries via government-arranged buses or flights.
- South Africa’s official population includes over three million foreigners, about 5% of the total population, but many live without legal papers.
- Economic challenges like high youth unemployment and inequality contribute to the tensions.
- President Ramaphosa has condemned scapegoating migrants and called for addressing economic issues without targeting vulnerable groups.
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