09 Sep 2019 | 02:30 PM UTC
South Africa: Buhari issues voluntary evacuation orders for Nigerians from South Africa September 9 /update 3
President Buhari issues voluntary evacuation orders for Nigerians in South Africa September 9; further violence and protests possible over the coming days
Event
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari issued voluntary evacuation orders for Nigerian citizens in South Africa on Monday, September 9, following recent xenophobic attacks in Johannesburg and Pretoria which have left at least 10 people dead. At least 400 Nigerians are to be evacuated on Wednesday, September 11, with more evacuations possible over the coming days and weeks.
Despite a heightened security presence in South Africa's urban centers, additional incidents of looting and associated acts of violence, along with protests to denounce the violence, are possible in the coming days.
Context
Xenophobic violence targeting immigrant-owned shops (e.g. looting, fire, stone-throwing, etc.) has flared in Johannesburg and Pretoria since September 1.
High unemployment in South Africa has stoked local anti-immigrant resentment, as immigrants are blamed for taking jobs that could employ native South Africans and for participating in criminal activity.
Advice
Individuals in South Africa are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and sites of civil unrest as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
