Ghana has commenced the final phase of evacuating its nationals from South Africa, with another 1,000 citizens expected to return home on special flights scheduled for Sunday and Monday following persistent anti-migrant attacks in the country.
The Ghanaian government announced that the latest evacuation follows the successful repatriation of more than 900 nationals, bringing the total number of citizens returned home to over 1,900. Accra also said it would seek compensation from the South African government for property and assets allegedly lost by its citizens during the violence.
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The government has further petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the attacks on foreigners, arguing that the violence could amount to crimes against humanity.
Ghana, alongside Nigeria, has also urged the African Union (AU) to include the worsening anti-migrant crisis in South Africa on the agenda of its next summit.
According to available reports, more than 160,000 foreign nationals have left South Africa since May following violent anti-immigrant protests.
South Africa has traditionally attracted migrants from across the continent because of its relatively stronger economy. However, rising unemployment and economic pressures have fueled growing hostility toward foreign workers, triggering repeated attacks and mass departures.
Africanews
