Nigeria, mozambique, malawi and ghana are evacuating hundreds of their citizens from south africa following recent xenophobic attacks and ahead of a 30 june deadline set by anti-immigrant groups.
Mozambique has already repatriated 545 nationals by bus through the ressano garcia border post after violence in mossel bay on 29 may left five mozambicans dead. The government provided buses and minibuses for the operation and said it is prepared to evacuate up to 1,000 people.
Ghana airlifted 297 citizens on a charter flight from or tambo international airport last week, with plans for another flight. Nigeria will begin screening citizens on thursday for an evacuation of between 2,000 and 4,000 people.
Malawi announced it will assist citizens who request help to leave, with details to follow once logistics are finalised. South african president cyril ramaphosa told parliament that the country must address illegal immigration without resorting to violence or vigilantism.
