Xenophobia: South Africa accused of failing Africans while backing Gaza
Members of civil society groups and human rights organisations take part in a march calling for stronger government action against illegal immigration in Pretoria, South Africa, April 28, 2026.
South Africa is pushing back against growing continental criticism over xenophobic violence against African migrants, with critics accusing Pretoria of defending Palestinians in Gaza while failing to protect fellow Africans at home.
After phone calls and meetings with envoys from countries whose citizens have been targeted in the violence, South African officials said that rising xenophobia should be addressed as part of a broader debate on irregular migration across the continent.
