Violence Erupts at Anti-Migrant Protest in South Africa
An anti-migrant demonstration in Durban, South Africa, turned violent on Thursday, leaving several people injured and at least one foreign national arrested.
The protest took place as tensions continue to rise across the country over undocumented migration. Durban has emerged as a major centre of recent anti-migrant activity, with at least four foreign nationals reportedly killed and tens of thousands of people leaving South Africa amid the unrest.
Police said about 100 demonstrators belonging to an anti-illegal migration group took part in what they described as a “clean-up campaign” targeting an encampment occupied by several hundred foreign nationals outside a government office.
Many of those staying at the site are from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They moved to the location around 13 weeks ago, saying they were seeking protection from mobs campaigning against undocumented migrants.
The protest quickly descended into confrontation between demonstrators and people inside the encampment.
According to police, stones were thrown during the disturbance, with one stone allegedly hitting a police officer. Authorities said a foreign national was arrested in connection with the incident, although further details were not immediately provided.
Bishop Raphael, a leader among the foreign nationals at the encampment, said five Congolese people were injured during the confrontation, including two children.
He described the demonstration as extremely violent and accused protesters of attacking people at the camp.
Raphael said the protesters were carrying sticks and attempted to enter or attack the encampment while police officers tried to keep the two groups apart.
He also claimed that police used stun grenades to disperse the crowds, contributing to the injuries among those at the site.
Many people staying at the encampment say they are refugees from the DRC and have sought safety in South Africa. Their presence has become a source of tension as anti-migrant groups demand stronger action against undocumented foreigners.
The latest violence comes after fringe groups campaigning against undocumented migrants issued a June 30 deadline for foreigners to leave the country.
More than 200,000 people have since fled South Africa, according to an AFP tally based on figures provided by African governments involved in repatriating their citizens.
South African police have confirmed at least four migrant deaths linked to the violence, although some foreign governments have reported that the actual number of fatalities could be higher.
The continuing unrest has raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa and the potential for further clashes between anti-migrant groups and migrant communities.
Authorities now face growing pressure to prevent further violence while addressing concerns surrounding immigration and the protection of vulnerable migrant and refugee communities.
