Maputo, 8 Jun (AIM) – The Mozambican government has announced the repatriation, in the coming days, of 169 Mozambican nationals who are victims of xenophobic attacks committed by South African citizens against black Africans.
The focus of these xenophobic acts has been black Africans, including Mozambicans. Discrimination against foreign nationals has also been leading to looting, displacement, harassment, and deadly riots, in informal settlements.
At least nine Mozambican nationals have been killed in the current wave of discrimination, and at least 874 citizens have been affected in an escalation of violence “that is leading hundreds of people to return to the country.”
According to government data, over 300,000 Mozambicans reside in South Africa. South Africa is Mozambique’s largest trading partner in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with trade ranging from 1.7 billion US dollars to two billion annually. Border traffic is intense, with 1,700 to 2,000 trucks crossing the borders daily, in addition to a strong informal cross-border trade.
A statement released by the government’s press office (GABINFO) points out that the authorities remain committed to providing assistance and protection to citizens affected by xenophobia in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
“Actions to assist and protect Mozambican citizens affected by acts of xenophobia in the Western Cape province of South Africa continue. The 169 citizens were gathered in temporary community centers in the towns of Mossel Bay and Hermanus, in South Africa”, reads the statement.
“All possible logistical conditions are being ensured for the transport and assistance of the citizens during their journey, and Mozambique’s diplomatic and consular missions in the South Africa continue to closely monitor the situation, providing support to affected citizens and coordinating inspection efforts to ensure their safe return to the country”, reads the document.
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