Ghana has announced plans to evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa following renewed anti-immigrant protests and fears over xenophobic violence. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the emergency measure after Ghanaians, prompted by a foreign ministry advisory, registered at the Pretoria embassy to seek rescue. Ghana has also summoned the South African envoy and written to the African Union, calling for continental-level discussion of what it describes as a serious risk to African lives. Meanwhile, South Africa’s government has denied that the attacks are systematic, with President Cyril Ramaphosa calling them isolated criminal acts. Nevertheless, Ghana’s embassy has urged citizens to avoid gatherings and close businesses in Durban ahead of further demonstrations. Several African countries, including Nigeria and Kenya, have also warned their nationals as concerns grow over the unrest.
BBC
