Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has described Ghana’s evacuation of its citizens from South Africa amid recent xenophobic tensions as “unnecessary,” arguing that the response risked escalating an already sensitive situation.
Speaking to the media, Malema said Ghana’s decision to evacuate affected nationals should have been handled with greater diplomatic restraint and allowed more time for South African authorities to address the situation internally.
“The Ghana response was not necessary at that moment,” he said, warning that such actions could create misleading perceptions about South African society as a whole.
He added that while incidents of violence and harassment against foreign nationals were concerning, they involved only a small section of the population and should not define the country’s broader image.
Call for Diplomatic Engagement
Malema argued that stronger diplomatic engagement, rather than rapid evacuation, would have been more appropriate in managing tensions between affected communities and authorities.
According to him, South African institutions were still engaging stakeholders to stabilise the situation and protect foreign nationals, including Ghanaians who may feel unsafe.
He maintained that legally documented migrants should be able to seek protection from law enforcement agencies without fear and urged continued cooperation between Ghana and South Africa to address the underlying issues.
Evacuation Exercise
The Ghanaian government recently evacuated about 300 citizens from South Africa following reports of renewed xenophobic attacks and growing safety concerns, with more than 800 others reportedly registering for voluntary return.
Government officials, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have maintained that the evacuation exercise is part of efforts to safeguard citizens abroad and ensure orderly repatriation where necessary.
Returnees have also been assured of reintegration support, including psychosocial assistance and financial aid.
Debate Over Diplomatic Response
Malema’s comments have added to ongoing public and diplomatic debate over how governments should respond to the safety of nationals living abroad during periods of civil tension.
While some observers argue that evacuation is a necessary protective measure in the face of violence, others believe such actions should be carefully calibrated to avoid diplomatic strain.
The discussion continues as Ghana and South African authorities engage on broader migration and security cooperation frameworks aimed at protecting foreign nationals while maintaining bilateral relations.
