Xenophobia Threat Triggers Emergency Evacuation: Liberia Airlifts 29 Citizens from South Africa Ahead of Deportation Ultimatum
MONROVIA, Montserrado County – The Government of Liberia has initiated an emergency voluntary repatriation exercise for Liberians in South Africa, citing rising security concerns and threats targeting foreign nationals.
The intervention comes as a group of private South African protesters issued a June 30 ultimatum demanding the departure of undocumented foreigners from the country.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) have arranged air travel for 29 Liberians who formally requested to return home.
A total of 263 Liberians are currently recorded as residing in South Africa.
According to the Ministry, the Liberian Embassy in Pretoria has been monitoring developments and engaging communities in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town to share information and assess safety conditions.
With most affected Liberians lacking proper documentation, the Embassy has processed Emergency Travel Certificates and is coordinating with South African authorities to ensure safe passage and avoid arrests or detention under immigration laws.
“The Ministry commends the leadership of Liberian communities for their cooperation during outreach visits,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated.
“Their assistance facilitated direct engagement and accurate data collection critical to our response.”
Officials are urging Liberians in South Africa to remain calm and maintain contact with the Embassy through established channels to prevent misinformation.
The repatriation exercise underscores growing concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals have repeatedly been targeted during economic and social protests.