Protests against migrants in South Africa have entered a fifth day, with clashes between demonstrators and police leaving at least six dead and dozens injured. The unrest, concentrated in the Gauteng province, including the capital Pretoria, has prompted the British government to issue a statement urging all parties to respect the rule of law.
The protests, which began as a series of marches in townships, have escalated into widespread looting and attacks on businesses owned by foreign nationals. Tensions have been fuelled by long-standing grievances over unemployment and crime, which some local politicians have attributed to migrants. South Africa, a country with one of the highest unemployment rates in the world at 32 per cent, has seen a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment in recent years.
The British Foreign Office said in a statement: 'We are deeply concerned by the violence and loss of life in South Africa. We call on all sides to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law. The United Kingdom stands with South Africa in its efforts to maintain peace and security.'
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence, calling it 'unacceptable' and ordering the deployment of additional police forces. In a televised address, he said: 'We will not allow lawlessness to undermine the stability of our country. We must address the legitimate concerns of our citizens through dialogue, not violence.'
However, analysts warn that the government faces a difficult balancing act. 'Ramaphosa must respond to the frustration of South Africans without scapegoating migrants,' said Dr. Thandi Modise, a political scientist at the University of the Witwatersrand. 'The protests are a symptom of deeper economic problems that cannot be solved by blaming outsiders.'
The African Union has also expressed concern, calling for an immediate halt to attacks on foreign nationals. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has offered to mediate.
The unrest poses a challenge for British foreign policy, as the UK seeks to strengthen ties with African nations post-Brexit. Britain has invested heavily in South Africa, with bilateral trade worth £8.9 billion in 2021. Any prolonged instability could jeopardise economic relations.
As the protests continue, international observers are watching closely. The United Nations has urged South African authorities to protect all residents regardless of nationality. The situation remains fluid, with reports of further clashes expected overnight.
