This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
On September 5, 2019, Somalia's government issued a statement expressing concern over the safety of its citizens in South Africa, where a wave of xenophobic attacks has targeted foreigners and their businesses.
According to the statement, the Somali government is 'keeping an eye on the violence in South Africa where members of the Somali community, mainly traders, have been attacked and suffered both death and injury in recent years.'
The statement further read: 'The Somali government is deeply concerned about the looting and eviction of its citizens and their businesses and requests the South African government protect and guarantee the safety of the Somali citizens and their property.'
South Africa has seen recurring waves of xenophobic violence, with immigrants from various countries, including Nigeria, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and South Asia, being targeted.
As one of the continent's premier economies, South Africa attracts many foreign workers, but the country's high levels of poverty and unemployment have led to tensions between locals and foreigners.
Previous instances of xenophobic violence in South Africa include the 2008 attacks that left 62 people dead and the 2015 attacks in Johannesburg and Durban that resulted in seven fatalities.
