Malawi evacuates 38,000 citizens amid South Africa crisis

The Malawian government says more than 38,000 of its citizens have returned home from South Africa over the past month as anti-migrant protests and violence continue to spread across parts of the country. Officials said the repatriation exercise began in early June following growing unrest that has targeted foreign nationals accused by some groups of taking jobs and public resources. The operation has involved hundreds of buses transporting returnees back to Malawi. Authorities confirmed that six Malawians died during the evacuation. Four reportedly died while travelling, while two others passed away shortly after arriving in Malawi. Officials said the victims were already suffering from health conditions before beginning the journey and were unable to access medical care because of the unstable security situation. According to Malawi’s disaster management authorities, many migrants had been forced to move repeatedly to avoid attacks, preventing them from receiving treatment or collecting essential medication.

The anti-migrant unrest has also prompted citizens of several other African countries, including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Mozambique, to leave South Africa. Border officials say tens of thousands of people have departed the country in recent weeks through land borders and international airports, with Zimbabwe also confirming the return of more than 21,000 of its nationals. The South African government has condemned attacks linked to the protests, while security agencies continue efforts to restore order in affected communities.

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