Malawian authorities confirmed on Friday that 38,094 of their citizens returned home from South Africa over a one-month period. This massive relocation comes amid a wave of anti-immigrant unrest where foreigners have been blamed for straining local resources and employment. Sadly, six individuals died during the arduous journey due to pre-existing illnesses exacerbated by the lack of medical access and the stress of fleeing.
Commissioner Wilson Moleni explained that the victims were unable to maintain necessary medical treatments while being displaced and moving frequently to avoid danger. Some had been staying in camps, which further compromised their health. To facilitate the exodus, more than 570 buses were deployed between June 7 and July 8.
South Africa has experienced sustained protests since late May, with fringe groups demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country. Border authorities estimate that approximately 60,000 people have left the country in total, including citizens from Zimbabwe, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Mozambique. While Malawi managed the return of its largest group, Zimbabwe reported helping over 21,300 of its citizens depart, and other nations have coordinated similar efforts to ensure the safety of their residents.
