Government Evacuates 173 Tanzanians Stranded in South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks
The Tanzanian government has repatriated 173 citizens from South Africa following a surge in xenophobic violence and threats from vigilante groups. The migrants, many of whom lived in South Africa for decades, faced intense pressure and safety concerns due to anti-immigrant sentiment.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the growing regional tensions regarding migration and the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa.
Dar es Salaam – The Tanzanian government has repatriated 173 Tanzanians who were stranded in KwaZulu-Natal, a province in South Africa. The government organized a special flight in coordination with the Tanzanian Embassy in South Africa and South African authorities.
The individuals arrived on the morning of August 27, 2026, and shared their experiences, with most saying they had lived in South Africa for decades.
“When June 30 came, they arrived there without asking questions; they took everything. I had to rush to the church where I was praying and found my fellow Tanzanians there. On the 30th [of June], no one went outside; death was in the air, everyone was fearful,” one of the Tanzanians explained upon arriving at the airport.
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