Xenophobic violence surges in South Africa following killings of Ethiopian nationals

Xenophobic violence in South Africa has intensified following the killing of four Ethiopians and other African nationals last Tuesday, signaling a renewed surge in attacks across the country. Migrants are facing growing intimidation, exclusion and, in some cases, deadly violence.

In several areas, groups of young people—some carrying wooden sticks—have been seen demonstrating while chanting violent slogans, as foreigners are increasingly scapegoated. On social media platforms such as TikTok, videos have also surfaced showing sub-Saharan African migrants, including Ethiopians, being beaten.

Ethiopian migrants in South Africa say they are fearful and increasingly concerned about a rise in xenophobic attacks across the country. Many report heightened anxiety over their safety amid repeated incidents of intimidation, exclusion and violence targeting foreign nationals.

Gezahegn Sumamo Guche, CEO of the Generation to Generation movement, told DW Amharic that many Ethiopians are stranded and facing heightened risk amid growing xenophobic threats. He said people in several cities have been staying indoors and avoiding public movement due to fears of violence, describing the situation as “severe.” He said threats from groups of young people openly carrying machetes have intensified fear and are causing significant psychological distress among migrants.