United States issues alert amid concerns over unrest in South Africa

Durban

Durban – The United States Consulate General in Durban has issued a safety alert after reports of looting and violence targeting foreign nationals in the city’s central business district.

Tensions reportedly escalated on Wednesday after vehicles believed to belong to foreign nationals were damaged with stones, while shops owned by foreign nationals were reportedly looted.

The US Consulate has urged US government personnel to avoid the Durban CBD and exercise extreme caution until further notice.

“Avoid the area, steer clear of crowds and demonstrations, maintain a low profile, remain alert to their surroundings, monitor local media for developments, review personal security plans,” the consulate said.

It also advised US personnel to contact the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 10111 or 112 from a mobile phone in an emergency.

The latest unrest comes amid sustained protests and campaigns over undocumented migration in KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of South Africa.

Earlier this year, anti-illegal immigration demonstrations escalated in several provinces, with protesters threatening the safety of foreign nationals and their property.

Undocumented migrants 

Organisations including March and March have campaigned for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, setting a 30 June deadline earlier this year.

The protests have contributed to growing concerns among migrant communities, with reports that nationals from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and Zimbabwe have left South Africa amid the tensions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously rejected claims that South Africa is inherently xenophobic.

“South Africans are not xenophobic. South Africans are Africans; they want to live with other Africans peacefully,” Ramaphosa said in June.

He said the government was addressing challenges linked to migration while calling for peaceful coexistence and greater economic cooperation across the continent.

The latest incidents in Durban have nevertheless prompted heightened security concerns, with the US Consulate urging its personnel to remain vigilant and monitor developments before travelling into affected areas.

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