WHO Chief Condemns Xenophobic Violence in South Africa as Foreign Nationals Reported Killed
Story: written by springnewsng
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Ghebreyesus, has strongly condemned the recent wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa, describing the situation as deeply distressing.
In a statement on Sunday, Ghebreyesus said it was “heartbreaking” to witness renewed attacks linked to anti-immigration protests across parts of the country, which have reportedly led to deaths and mass displacement of foreign nationals, including Ethiopians and Mozambicans.
He noted reports that at least five Ethiopians were killed in the unrest, alongside five Mozambicans in Mossel Bay, while thousands of migrants have been forced to flee their homes for safety.
The WHO chief warned against vigilante justice, stressing that grievances must be addressed through lawful and constitutional processes rather than violence or collective punishment.
He also described the situation as a betrayal of Africa’s shared history of solidarity during the anti-apartheid struggle, referencing the continent’s past unity in supporting South Africa’s freedom movement, including figures like Nelson Mandela.
Meanwhile, several countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, have begun evacuating their citizens from South Africa following the renewed unrest, with return flights already underway.
