Thousands of Malawian migrants have returned home from South Africa. They are fleeing a wave of xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests. South African demonstrators have marched nationwide demanding migrants leave. The violence has targeted foreign nationals from across the continent.
Xenophobic attacks have flared repeatedly in South Africa over two decades. Protesters blame foreign nationals for unemployment and crime. South Africa's official unemployment rate exceeds 32 percent. Many locals believe migrants steal jobs and housing. The violence has targeted nationals from Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Previous outbreaks killed dozens and displaced thousands. The government has condemned the attacks but failed to stop them. Human rights groups accuse politicians of stoking anti-migrant sentiment. Some opposition leaders have used inflammatory language against foreigners. The problem is rooted in deep economic inequality.
Malawian authorities are receiving returning citizens at border posts. Buses have been arranged to transport them home. The South African government faces mounting pressure to act. President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for calm. Police have arrested some protest organisers. Shops owned by foreign nationals have been looted and burned. The violence has spread to multiple provinces including Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. International observers have expressed concern. Malawi's government is assessing the scale of returns. Aid agencies are preparing support for displaced families.
