Countries issue travel warnings for SA

Botswana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have issued travel advisories for South Africa following an outbreak of xenophobic violence. 

According to EWN, these countries have warned their citizens to exercise “extreme caution” when traveling in South Africa especially in Johannesburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga and the North West. 

Attacks against foreign nationals and widespread looting of foreign-owned shops escalated in the last few weeks, mainly in Johannesburg CBD and surrounds. Over 200 people have been arrested in the province so far in relation to these attacks.

Protesters, many of them armed, sang and chanted before police minister Bheki Cele addressed them in Jeppestown on Tuesday. GroundUp

Botswana released a statement saying, “The Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation wishes to advise all Batswana traveling to South Africa to exercise extreme caution in light of recent developments resulting in violent unrests in some parts of the Republic of South Africa.” 

According to IOL, Zimbabwe has issued similar warnings. “All Zimbabweans living in South Africa, and those traveling to the country are urged to take necessary precaution to ensure their safety,” said Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa. 

Travel advisories have been one of many responses to the attacks.The Nigerian government summoned the South African ambassador and have dispatched a special envoy to South Africa in response. Zambia cancelled a friendly soccer match against South Africa in protest.  IOL reported that South African owned shops in Nigeria have been attacked, including MTN and Shoprite.

African Union chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat in a statement said he condemned the violence “in the strongest terms” and called for further steps to protect the lives of people and their property

Image Source: Getty Images

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