Mozambique reports five citizens killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa

The Mozambican government has officially reported five deaths among its citizens in xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Al Jazeera reports that the violence erupted on 29 May in Mossel Bay, a South African coastal city. Approximately 800 Mozambican nationals became involved in the clashes.

The Guardian documents that the attacks are part of a broader wave of xenophobic violence that regularly targets migrants and refugees in South Africa. Such incidents have repeatedly occurred in recent years and regularly lead to diplomatic tensions between South Africa and its neighbouring countries.

Authorities investigate background

IOL reports that local authorities are struggling with the situation. The exact circumstances of the violence and the identity of the perpetrators are still under investigation. Mozambique has called on South African authorities to hold those responsible accountable and take measures to protect its citizens.

The incidents once again shed light on the tense situation for migrants in South Africa, where economic insecurity and unemployment frequently lead to tensions with foreign workers. The South African government is under pressure to improve the safety of migrants and curb xenophobic violence.