The Republic of Congo has announced a scheduled evacuation of its citizens from June 22 to June 24 from South Africa as anti-migrant vigilante groups intensify hostile marches targeting undocumented foreign nationals.
The communication was conveyed through the Embassy in accordance with authorisation from the government in Brazzaville, under emergency consular assistance and voluntary repatriation measures. According to the Embassy, evacuation flights have been organised to facilitate the safe and orderly return of affected nationals.
The evacuations are scheduled six days before a self-imposed deadline issued by anti-migrant vigilante groups demanding undocumented migrants leave South Africa, amid accusations of job competition and rising crime.
Despite assurances from the South African government to clamp down on illegal immigration through enhanced law enforcement operations and diplomatic engagement with affected African states, tensions persist, prompting the Democratic Republic of Congo to activate voluntary evacuation procedures.
The Embassy stated that the operation is intended to provide a safe and dignified return for distressed nationals, urging citizens to register promptly as evacuation will be strictly based on verified lists.
“Faced with the vulnerable situation affecting many of our compatriots, this operation aims to guarantee a structured, safe, and dignified return to their homeland. In order to finalise logistical details with the South African authorities, the Embassy urges all compatriots wishing to benefit from this flight to complete and validate their departure information without delay using the dedicated online links,” the statement said.
The Embassy further appealed for calm and urged citizens to comply with local laws and security guidelines as arrangements for the evacuation continue.
In response to the growing xenophobic tensions, several African governments have initiated evacuation and repatriation exercises to protect their nationals living in South Africa. Nigeria has already airlifted its first batch of 262 citizens from Johannesburg to Lagos, with more than 1,000 Nigerians registering for voluntary return. Nigerian authorities said the operation was undertaken to safeguard citizens amid escalating anti-migrant protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Malawi has also launched a large-scale repatriation programme after reporting that nearly 10,000 of its nationals expressed a desire to return home due to safety concerns. Ghana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe have similarly facilitated the return of affected citizens, while several African governments have issued travel advisories urging their nationals in South Africa to remain vigilant as tensions continue to rise ahead of the June 30 deadline set by anti-migrant groups.
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