Xenophobia: Ghana to Evacuate 1,000 More Citizens from South Africa

Ghana says it will evacuate about 1,000 more of its citizens from South Africa as renewed xenophobic attacks continue to force many foreign nationals to flee their homes and businesses.

In a statement, Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the evacuation will begin on Sunday and will be carried out in phases. The first groups of evacuees are expected to arrive in Accra on Sunday and Monday.

The exercise will cover Ghanaians who have already registered with the country's High Commission in Pretoria and asked to return home voluntarily.

The ministry said, "Priority will be given to women, children, the elderly, persons with medical conditions, and students."

It added, "Government assures that we shall leave no Ghanaian behind in harm's way."

Officials also urged Ghanaians still in South Africa to "remain calm, avoid areas of unrest, ignore provocations and cooperate fully with officials of the Ghana High Commission."

The latest operation follows earlier evacuations that have already brought hundreds of Ghanaians home since anti-immigrant violence escalated this year.

Ghana has also advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa until further notice.

The renewed attacks have also affected other African countries. Nigeria previously evacuated over 1,000 of its citizens during earlier waves of violence, while Malawi has also repatriated nationals.

This week, two Ghanaian citizens petitioned the International Criminal Court to investigate whether the repeated attacks on migrants in South Africa amount to crimes against humanity.

The petition alleges a "pattern of widespread and systematic attacks" against foreign nationals over several years.

South African authorities have rejected claims that the government has failed to respond, saying the country has laws to protect everyone from discrimination and violence.

South Africa has experienced recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence for nearly two decades, with immigrants often blamed for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.