Ghana says it will evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa after a wave of anti-immigrant protests. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced on Tuesday that the Ghanaian president had approved an 'immediate evacuation' for 'distressed' Ghanaians who registered at the embassy in Pretoria.
Thousands of South Africans have joined demonstrations demanding mass deportation of undocumented foreigners, citing impacts on jobs, housing, and crime. President Cyril Ramaphosa called the protests 'isolated acts of criminality,' insisting they do not reflect government policy, but reaffirming South Africa's commitment to border security and immigration enforcement.
Ghana and Nigeria have also summoned South African envoys over the treatment of their citizens. Ghana has requested the African Union to address the issue, warning of a 'serious risk to the safety and wellbeing' of Africans in South Africa. Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe have issued similar warnings to their citizens.