Social activist Graça Machel criticized SADC's inability to deal with the current xenophobic crisis, stating that world leaders should have met immediately at the start of the disturbances to analyze the meaning of these events and define ways of collaboration within SADC.
Machel observed that SADC functions as a structure that organizes meetings of various ministries and heads of state, resulting in resolutions that tend to focus more on interests, including economic ones. However, she argued that the organization fails to deeply analyze the relationships between nations and internal social dynamics, which contributes to the emergence of such crises.
For the activist, SADC needs to prioritize creating economic conditions that encourage citizens to remain in their countries of origin. She highlighted food production as a critical area where the region shows deficiencies. Questioning the dependence on imports, Machel demanded that SADC present a clear and diversified plan for food production, given that the region has suitable land and rivers.
The former Mozambican first lady, who was also the South African first lady, linked the lack of economic opportunities in the region to the migration of thousands of young people to South Africa, which is facing new waves of xenophobic hostility. She questioned why these young people do not find reasons to stay and work in their own countries.
These statements come amid growing tensions in South Africa, where demonstrations took place on June 30th, following an increase in xenophobic attacks and protests against immigrants. The organizers of that day set a deadline for undocumented immigrants to leave the country, blaming these migrants for national economic problems.
The crisis forced neighboring countries, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana, Mozambique, Uganda, and Kenya, to repatriate tens of thousands of their citizens residing in South Africa. Specifically, Mozambique has about 300,000 citizens in South Africa, and the government confirmed the death of 11 Mozambicans victims of these attacks. On July 7th, the Government spokesperson, Inocêncio Impissa, reported that Mozambique received 1,363 repatriated citizens from South Africa due to xenophobia, in addition to 6,156 Malawians in transit affected by the violence.
Although the South African government condemns the violence, it defends its right to control irregular immigration. Xenophobic tensions are a persistent problem in South Africa, frequently leading to violent protests, especially in vulnerable areas. The peak of violence recorded was in 2008, with over 60 deaths, while the most recent serious incidents occurred in 2019, resulting in the death of at least 18 foreigners.
José Luís Carneiro responded to Nuno Melo, who had warned about the risk of a political crisis, attributing responsibility for this situation to the Socialist and Chega parties.
The Secretary-General of the PS contested these allegations, accusing the Government of not fulfilling its promises and of adopting a victim stance whenever it is subjected to scrutiny.
