By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The respective governments of Kenya and Nigeria have expressed their grief and concerns over the rising protests against undocumented persons currently living in South Africa as demonstrators from KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape are calling for more stricter ruling in regards to immigration control.
Foreign nationals have expressed their anger over the recent marches as some have labelled some of the issues at hand as mis-leading. The government of Nigeria has accused the South African government of not doing enough to curb the unrest against foreign nationals that have seen them being harassed and threatened by South African citizens.
The Nigerian government has expressed that they intend on organising repatriation flights for at least 130 Nigerian citizens. The relevant Nigerian authorities have highlighted that both documented and undocumented persons have cited security concerns as a reason for returning to their home.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry has expressed that they will conduct investigations into the deaths of two Nigerian nationals who allegedly were murdered in two separate incidents regarding South African personnel security last month.
The Kenyan government has also advised its citizens in South Africa to carry relevant and legal documentation. They have further advised that their citizens are to reach out to the police as well as the High Commission based in Pretoria for assistance.
“Kenyan nationals are urged to avoid, as far as possible, areas where protests or demonstrations may be taking place, and to remain attentive to guidance issued by local authorities. They are further encouraged to carry valid identification and relevant documentation at all times” said the Kenyan High Commission in an advisory note.
“We reflected on the challenges posed by irregular migration and committed to working to address the root causes, find common and sustainable solutions to this shared concern” said Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has received President of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo, at his residence in Pretoria for a working visit as reports assume that it is also to discuss the protests which have affected citizens of Mozambique.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Ablakwa had called in South Africa’s acting High Commissioner Thando Dalamba about reports of Xenophobia being experienced by Ghanaian citizens in South Africa as he also discussed the complaints with Minister Lamola over a phone call on 22 April.