news 7 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ramaphosa Vows Action Against Xenophobic Attack Instigators in South Africa
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged a crackdown on groups orchestrating xenophobic violence, as the unrest prompts several African nations to repatriate their citizens. The attacks have strained South Africa's international relations and highlighted deep-seated issues of immigration and economic hardship. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/south-africa-s-ramaphosa-vows-crackdown-on-groups-behind-xenophobic-attacks-5488564
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has declared a firm stance against groups fanning the flames of xenophobic violence, which has recently marred the nation’s image. In a televised address, Ramaphosa stated that his government would take action against “forces who are exploiting the concerns of our people about illegal immigration to further their own political, personal and criminal agendas.”
These violent protests have led to a significant exodus of citizens from neighboring countries. Nations like Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, and Mozambique have initiated repatriation efforts for their nationals caught in the crossfire. Mozambique has tragically reported the deaths of five of its citizens amidst the unrest.
Ramaphosa emphasized that such groups “will and must not allow” to use legitimate grievances about immigration to incite lawlessness and destabilize the country. He urged citizens against vigilantism, specifically cautioning against demanding identification from people on the streets, asserting that immigration law enforcement is exclusively the state’s domain.
Xenophobia is a recurrent issue in South Africa, where immigrants are frequently scapegoated for high unemployment, crime, and economic struggles. Ramaphosa acknowledged that migrants are being unfairly blamed for systemic issues rooted in poverty and joblessness.
The South African government is reportedly implementing measures to address migration, including more stringent regulation enforcement, legislative reforms, and collaborative efforts with other nations to tackle the root causes of irregular immigration. Plans are also in motion to establish dedicated courts for swift handling of immigration cases and to phase in enhanced biometric digital ID cards, replacing the older ‘green book’ documents.
In response to the escalating situation, Ghana has lodged a petition with the African Union regarding the treatment of its citizens in South Africa and is documenting property losses for potential future legal action, according to its Foreign Minister Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa.