South Africa deploys troops amid escalating anti‑migrant protests

President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the deployment of 3,405 South African National Defence Force members on June 28, costing an estimated 54.6 million rand, to support police during a wave of anti‑migrant protests that are being held weekly.

Demonstrations in Johannesburg, Durban and other cities have turned violent at times, with looting, stone‑throwing and four confirmed deaths – two Mozambicans, an Ethiopian and a Malawian. Police have arrested more than 900 people for immigration offences, robbery and public violence. The unrest has forced over 25,000 undocumented migrants, mainly from Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria and Ghana, to flee the country; about 4,300 have been repatriated and 400 expelled.

The protests are framed as a demand for the expulsion of all undocumented foreigners ahead of municipal elections, and have attracted counter‑protests from white South Africans calling for unity. Nigeria has announced it will seek compensation for its citizens affected by the violence. Human Rights Watch warned that the unrest is creating a humanitarian crisis with many displaced and without food.