Xenophobia Fears Rise in South Africa as Viral Videos Show Attacks on African Migrants

Fresh concerns over xenophobia in South Africa have emerged after viral social media videos showed groups of South Africans confronting and assaulting African immigrants, including a Ghanaian national, amid growing anti-foreigner sentiment in some communities.

In one widely circulated clip, a group of South Africans is seen questioning a Ghanaian man about his immigration status and presence in the country. A woman speaking for the group said migrants were no longer welcome.

“This thing of you guys moving from one country to another is no longer working,” she said. “We don’t want these African people anymore… we don’t want you here; we want you to fix your countries.”

The group also accused the migrant of overstaying or misusing travel documentation, while a man in the video interrogated him about his legal status and warned him to inform others to leave before facing similar treatment.

Another video shows a separate incident in which a man believed to be Ghanaian was physically assaulted by individuals reportedly linked to local residents. The footage has sparked widespread outrage online, with many users calling for arrests and stronger protection for foreign nationals.

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In a third clip, a South African man filming himself at night expressed anger over unemployment and living conditions, blaming foreign nationals for economic hardship. He said migrants were “sleeping comfortably” while locals were “out in the cold,” and insisted they should “go back to their countries.”

The videos, which began trending on Tuesday, have intensified debate around anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, a recurring issue tied to unemployment, poverty, and competition for informal jobs.

Authorities in South Africa have not yet released a full official statement on the viral footage, but police are expected to investigate incidents of assault and harassment captured in the videos, which could amount to criminal offences under South African law.

Meanwhile, tensions are rising in parts of the country. In Mthatha, a town in the Eastern Cape province, residents are reportedly preparing for protests scheduled for Thursday. Organisers say the demonstration is aimed at addressing concerns over foreign nationals in local communities and rising unemployment among South Africans.

Civil society groups and migrant rights organisations have condemned the videos, warning that such rhetoric and violence risk escalating into broader unrest. They are urging authorities to ensure the safety of all foreign nationals and uphold constitutional protections against discrimination and hate speech.

The developments have reignited continental concern over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have previously resulted in deaths, displacement of migrants, and diplomatic tensions across Africa.

Xenophobia Fears Rise in South Africa as Viral Videos Show Attacks on African Migrants

Nationwide Unrest in Kenya as Fuel Price Hike Sparks Cost-of-Living Crisis

Kenya is facing a fresh wave of unrest as fuel protests spread across major cities over surging petrol prices, rising diesel costs, and an escalating cost-of-living crisis that has triggered widespread public anger.

The demonstrations began on Tuesday, with hundreds of mostly young protesters taking to the streets in different parts of the country, disrupting traffic and temporarily paralysing business activities in some urban centres.

In Nairobi, protesters gathered around the Kenya National Archives in the central business district, where the early stages of the protest were largely peaceful. Demonstrators sang the national anthem, played games, and chanted slogans before security forces intervened. Police were later deployed to disperse the crowd, reportedly using water cannons. At least 11 protesters were arrested in the CBD and subsequently charged in court the following day.

While the latest protests have not recorded fatalities—unlike the deadly unrest during the 2024 Finance Bill demonstrations—tension remains high across several regions, with fears of further escalation. In towns such as Embu and surrounding areas, traders shut down businesses early, anticipating possible violence and disruptions linked to the ongoing protests.

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The unrest was triggered by a major fuel price adjustment announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which significantly increased pump prices across the country. Under the revised pricing structure, petrol prices rose by 16.1%, while diesel increased by 24.2%, further worsening transportation costs and pushing up the prices of goods and services.

EPRA attributed the hike to rising global crude oil prices and increased import costs, which officials say have surged by nearly 68.7% due to global market instability and supply chain disruptions. Kenya’s reliance on imported fuel—especially from Gulf countries—has made the economy vulnerable to international shocks, including disruptions linked to strategic global routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping corridor.

The protests gained momentum following online campaigns led by activists and opposition voices using the hashtag #RejectFuelPrices, which rapidly spread across social media and helped mobilise demonstrators nationwide. Security agencies have since increased surveillance in major cities amid concerns that the protests could expand further in the coming days.

The Kenyan government has condemned the demonstrations, describing them as unlawful and accusing organisers of failing to comply with the mandatory 14-day notice requirement for public protests. Officials also alleged that some of the mobilisation efforts amounted to unlawful assembly, though protest organisers insist the movement is a legitimate response to economic hardship.

President William Ruto defended the government’s position, arguing that global fuel price increases cannot be reversed through street protests. “There are others saying that because fuel prices have increased globally, they will hold protests in the country. If they protest, will the cost of fuel decrease?” he said.

In an attempt to ease public pressure, the government introduced an eight percent VAT reduction on fuel, which lowered petrol prices to about Sh197.60 per litre. However, many citizens say the reduction is insufficient, especially after prices recently peaked at Sh206.97 per litre.

Despite the intervention, frustration remains high as households continue to face rising transport fares, food inflation, and stagnant incomes. Analysts say the protests reflect deeper economic distress and growing dissatisfaction with rising living costs, warning that without sustained reforms, public unrest could persist as citizens demand more effective relief measures. Security agencies remain on alert as further demonstrations are expected across multiple cities.

Nationwide Unrest in Kenya as Fuel Price Hike Sparks Cost-of-Living Crisis

‘If Nigeria Fails, We All Feel It’ – Mahama Raises Alarm Over Insecurity

President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, revealing that he prays every day for the country to overcome its growing insecurity.

Speaking at an award ceremony in Ghana, Mahama stressed that the stability of Nigeria is critical not just to its citizens but to the entire African continent. He warned that the persistent violence fueled by terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts could have far-reaching regional consequences.

Emphasising Nigeria’s strategic importance in West Africa, Mahama noted that Ghana’s security and economic well-being are closely tied to Nigeria’s success. According to him, any major breakdown in Nigeria’s security structure could trigger mass migration, placing enormous pressure on neighbouring countries.

“Nigeria is of keen security interest to us. If Nigeria does well, Ghana does well,” Mahama said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s large population, he added that even a fraction of displaced persons crossing into Ghana could overwhelm the country.

“When you have cousins—250 million of them—you want them to do well so that one million of them don’t come drifting towards a small country like Ghana,” he stated.

Mahama further revealed the depth of his concern, saying his prayers for Nigeria have become a daily routine.

“Every day I wake up, I pray for Nigeria. I say, ‘God, let Nigeria get their act together,’” he said.

He also referenced historical ties between both nations, noting that migration between Ghana and Nigeria has existed for decades, with many people tracing roots across borders, particularly among Yoruba communities.

The Ghanaian president’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with escalating insecurity, especially in the northeastern region where insurgent attacks have persisted.

In response to recent attacks on military personnel, Vice President Kashim Shettima visited troops in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, to commiserate with the armed forces.

The visit followed the killing of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and several soldiers in a recent confrontation with insurgents. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima praised the military for its sacrifices in defending the nation.

“These men wore the uniform for all of us. They stood to protect our communities, our families, and the future of our children,” he said.

“Their courage reminds us that peace and security often come at a very heavy cost.”

The growing insecurity in Nigeria continues to draw regional attention, with leaders like Mahama calling for stronger cooperation to tackle the crisis. Analysts say Nigeria’s stability remains central to the future of West Africa, making urgent and sustained action essential.

‘If Nigeria Fails, We All Feel It’ – Mahama Raises Alarm Over Insecurity