Maputo, 26 Jun (AIM) – Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Lucas, has guaranteed that diplomatic efforts with the South African government are underway in order to strengthen the protection of Mozambican communities in the current wave of xenophobic attacks committed by South African citizens against black Africans.
Speaking on Thursday in Maputo’s Heroes Square, on the sidelines of the ceremony marking Independence Day – the 51st anniversary of the proclamation of the country’s independence from the Portuguese colonial rule on 25 June 1975 by the late President Samora Machel – a joint effort is underway to support the return of affected Mozambican citizens and ensure better conditions for their reintegration.
Recently, the government announced that the remains of the seven Mozambican nationals killed in the current wave of xenophobic attacks have been repatriated. The victims, who were killed in the South African region of Mossel Bay, were all from the southern Mozambican province of Gaza province. Their remains have been returned to the districts of Majaquaze, Chókwè, Chigubo and Limpopo.
“The South African government is providing transport to support the return of Mozambicans to the border, and arrangements are subsequently being made to ensure their onward travel to their respective provinces of origin”, the minister said.
More than 700 Mozambicans have been forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods, while others face an environment of insecurity marked by threats, assaults, and the destruction of property.
“At the onset of this situation, many were returning with nothing but a briefcase, after years of work and having left their resources behind in that country”, she said.
The minister also added that a large percentage of Mozambican citizens living in that country lack proper documentation or have an irregular residency status.
“Mozambique and South Africa are exploring the creation of seasonal labor mobility mechanisms that would allow for the issuance of temporary work visas, featuring defined periods of stay and subsequent return to the country”, she said.
In recent months, various South African nationals have been carrying out anti-migrant protests against Africans, including Mozambicans. The focus of these xenophobic acts, which have been recurring, has been black Africans.
Discrimination against foreign nationals has also been leading to looting, displacement, harassment, and deadly riots, in informal settlements.
The government – through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the country’s Mozambique’s relief agency, the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) – pledges to continue ensuring rapid responses to the concerns of the Mozambican community and strengthen coordination with the South African government in order to monitor developments and coordinate protection measures for affected citizens.
Am/
