Somalia Warns Citizens as Xenophobic Violence Threatens Somali Businesses in South Africa
Somalia’s embassy in South Africa has urged citizens to exercise caution as xenophobic violence spreads across several cities, putting Somali-owned businesses at risk amid rising attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Businessman stands amid burned cars at his Johannesburg dealership (Reuters/CNS/Siphiwe Sibeko)
JOHANNESBURG (Somali Report) — Somalia’s Embassy in South Africa has issued a security alert urging Somali nationals to exercise heightened caution as anti-immigrant violence and xenophobic attacks spread across parts of the country.
The embassy warned Somalis to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and steer clear of public gatherings that could escalate into violence. It also advised Somali business owners in affected areas to consider temporarily closing their shops during periods of heightened tension to protect lives and property.
The advisory comes amid renewed unrest targeting foreign nationals in several South African cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and parts of the Western Cape. Reports from local authorities and media indicate that protests demanding stricter immigration controls have in some cases escalated into attacks, looting, and destruction of foreign-owned businesses.
Somali traders, who form one of the largest foreign business communities in South African townships, have frequently been among those affected during previous waves of xenophobic violence. Many operate small retail shops in high-density urban and peri-urban areas, where tensions often flare during periods of economic strain.
The Somali Embassy urged citizens to closely monitor developments in their neighbourhoods and follow instructions from South African law enforcement agencies. It also called for calm, unity, and cooperation among Somali residents, while encouraging individuals to report any threats or incidents to local authorities and community leaders.
South Africa has experienced recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, often linked to high unemployment, inequality, and pressure on public services. Foreign-owned shops and migrant workers have periodically been targeted during such unrest.
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Recent incidents have once again drawn concern from African governments and human rights organisations. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights earlier expressed alarm over reports of attacks and intimidation against foreign nationals in South Africa.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence, saying there is no place in the country for xenophobia or intolerance. He warned that “opportunists” were exploiting social and economic grievances to fuel hostility against migrants.
The unrest has prompted several African countries to issue travel and safety advisories to their citizens, while others have begun evacuations or repatriation efforts. Malawi and Mozambique are among nations that have moved to return citizens following outbreaks of violence in affected areas.
Reports indicate that tensions have been particularly high in informal settlements and township areas, where protests over unemployment and service delivery have sometimes turned into attacks on foreign nationals. In some cases, migrant-owned homes and businesses have been looted or burned, forcing families to flee.
Somalia’s embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with Somali community leaders in South Africa. It reiterated that Somali nationals should avoid unnecessary movement during periods of unrest and prioritise personal safety.
Authorities in South Africa say investigations into recent violence are ongoing, while police continue operations aimed at restoring order in affected areas.
For Somali traders and residents, however, the renewed wave of violence has once again raised fears over safety in a country where many have built livelihoods over years of migration.
About the Author
Mohamed Farah is a senior editor at Somali Report, based in London, covering geopolitics, trade, business, and security across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.