The Somali Embassy in South Africa has issued a security alert to the entire Somali community living in the country, amid fears of protests and violence in some regions of the country.
The embassy called on Somali citizens to exercise increased vigilance and avoid areas where security threats are perceived and gatherings that could lead to violence.
The warning also specifically goes to Somali business owners, who are advised not to open their businesses during the tense situation, in order to protect their lives and property.
The embassy called on the Somali community to closely monitor the security situation in their areas, and to follow the instructions and procedures issued by the country’s security agencies.
The embassy also stressed the importance of solidarity and awareness within the community, once again calling on the Somali community to show calm, caution and cooperation to ensure the safety of the community during this situation.
However, tensions and protests over immigration and the country’s foreign population have escalated into violence and attacks targeting foreigners, particularly businesspeople and migrants from African countries.
The protests have taken place in cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, with some groups demanding that the government tighten immigration laws and expel illegal immigrants.
The protests have caused security fears, looting and attacks on foreign-owned shops, prompting several African countries to issue travel warnings to their citizens in South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence and xenophobic attacks, saying the protests do not represent the entire population. The government has also promised to take action against groups behind the violence.
The main reasons for these protests are linked to high unemployment, inflation and poverty, complaints about social services, and accusations that immigrants have affected jobs and the country’s security.
