Malema criticises Ghana’s evacuation of citizens from South Africa

Julius Malema has criticised Ghana’s decision to evacuate or repatriate citizens from South Africa, saying the move came too quickly and that diplomatic channels should have been given more time.

The South African politician’s remarks come as Ghana continues a voluntary repatriation process for its nationals living in South Africa amid renewed anti-immigration tensions.

About 300 Ghanaian nationals left Johannesburg on May 27, according to reporting cited by the research. Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria had earlier said it was still completing arrangements for an orderly return process.

Background

The repatriation follows unrest and attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, which have prompted concern from Ghanaian officials and other African governments.

South Africa’s government has said it condemned recent confrontations against immigrants and instructed law enforcement to act.

Different reports have described the process as both an evacuation and a voluntary repatriation, but the core development is the same: Ghana is helping citizens return home while the situation remains tense.

Malema’s criticism was reported on May 28 and again on May 29, with the latest coverage saying he believed Ghana acted too quickly in withdrawing its citizens.

What happens next

It is not yet clear how many more Ghanaians will return under the programme or whether Ghana’s government will respond publicly to Malema’s comments.

The wider diplomatic dispute over xenophobic attacks in South Africa is also likely to continue as officials assess the security situation and the repatriation process.