Refugees in South Africa fear new attacks as September 30 deadline looms
Refugees in Durban, South Africa, are facing heightened fears of violence following an anti-immigrant group's ultimatum for foreign nationals to leave the country by September 30. Local activists and migrants report that rising xenophobic sentiment is being exacerbated by the upcoming November local government elections.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the intersection of migration crises and political instability, posing significant human rights risks in South Africa.
Refugees in Durban say they have nowhere safe to return to after being forced from a makeshift camp.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Anti-immigrant protesters march in Durban, South Africa, on June 30, 2026, amid calls by anti-immigrant groups for undocumented migrants to leave the country [Rogan Ward/Reuters] By Qaanitah Hunter Published On 28 Sep 2026 28 Sep 2026 Durban, South Africa – Bishop Raphael Bahebwa is in hiding, afraid he could be attacked for speaking out for the rights of foreigners in South Africa.
“I am in hiding now because they say they are going to kill me for speaking about the rights of foreigners,” he told Al Jazeera.
Bahebwa has lived in South Africa for 26 years, after arriving as a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Also covering this story
13 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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