Two East Africa Governments Deny Reports of Targeted Xenophobia Against Citizens in South Africa
Panic has spread across parts of East Africa following viral social media posts alleging renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa, prompting a swift response from the Tanzanian government.
Tanzania’s High Commissioner to South Africa, James Bwana, dismissed the reports as unfounded, saying there is no verified evidence that Tanzanian nationals are being targeted in the alleged incidents. He explained that several videos circulating online are either outdated or misidentified, warning that they have fueled unnecessary fear among families in Tanzania.
Diplomatic officials at the Tanzanian High Commission in Pretoria also urged citizens to remain calm, emphasizing that no confirmed cases of Tanzanians being affected by xenophobic violence have been recorded. They further cautioned against the spread of misinformation, saying it is creating panic within diaspora communities.
Community representatives of Tanzanians living in South Africa echoed these concerns, calling for stronger action against individuals spreading false content online. They noted that misleading videos have heightened anxiety among residents despite the absence of verified reports of targeted attacks.
While acknowledging South Africa’s history of sporadic xenophobic violence, officials stressed that the current wave of claims lacks credible confirmation and should not be treated as factual without evidence from authorities.
Kenya Issues Safety Alert as Diaspora Monitors Unrest in South Africa
In Kenya, the government has assured citizens that no Kenyan has been reported injured or killed in the reported incidents, even as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely through diplomatic channels.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roselyn Njogu said Kenya’s mission in Pretoria is actively tracking developments and providing updates. She emphasized that, so far, there have been no verified reports of Kenyan nationals being affected.
However, the Kenya Diaspora in South Africa (KEDASA) issued an advisory urging Kenyans to exercise caution following reports of protests and violence targeting foreign nationals in some regions.
The group highlighted areas including Cape Town, Durban, East London (Ku-Gompo), and parts of Gauteng as locations where unrest and planned demonstrations had been reported. Kenyans were advised to remain indoors where possible, avoid confrontation, and carry valid identification at all times.
Reports indicate that some of the unrest is linked to protests and vigilante activity fueled by tensions over unemployment and the presence of migrants in certain communities.
South African authorities have strongly condemned such actions, stating that no individual or group has the authority to enforce immigration-related grievances through violence or intimidation. Police officials have urged calm and reaffirmed that law enforcement agencies are responsible for maintaining order.
Meanwhile, other African countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, have also raised concerns over the treatment of their citizens in South Africa, calling for diplomatic engagement and stronger protections for foreign nationals.
