Highlights
– Two weeks of anti-immigrant violence leaves 56 dead and tens of thousands displaced
– Slow government response further exacerbates situation
– While relative calm has been restored, the government must now address the root causes of the violence
– South Africa, the United Nations (UN), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) must ensure those that have been displaced are provided the necessary aid
On May 11, 2008 anti-immigrant violence broke out in Johannesburg’s Alexandra Township. The violence quickly spread to Cape Town, and Durban, an eastern port city. The attacks resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands, the death of 56, and the destruction of 440 homes. Security forces have arrested over 1,300 suspected perpetrators. The violence is the worst South Africa has experienced since the end of Apartheid in 1994.
Causes of Violence
The xenophobic violence was the culmination of increased tensions between poor South Africans and immigrants from other African countries over rising fuel and food prices coupled with extremely limited economic opportunities. Since the end of Apartheid, South Africa has been viewed as a welcoming country for refugees due to the country’s stability and economic prosperity.
The failure of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has dominated South African politics since the end of Apartheid, to provide relief for the poorest black South Africans and African immigrants is deemed partly responsible for the outbreak of violence. While a black middle class has emerged and democratic elections have given political power to black South Africans, who make up a large majority of the population, those living in the lower levels of society have seen little improvement in the 14 years of ANC rule. The poor South Africans, living in overcrowded, poverty stricken, crime-ridden townships often blame immigrants for their dire economic straits.
Some officials have accused those who held power in the Apartheid regime of organizing the violence in an attempt to embarrass the government and give the perception that the situation in South Africa was volatile. However, there no evidence has been presented to confirm this. Further, the spontaneous eruption of violence as well as media interviews with both victims and perpetrators strongly suggests the attacks were the result of the combined increased cost of living and large immigrant populations blamed for taking many of the limited jobs offered.
Government Response
Several weeks after being widely criticized for his slow reaction to the situation in Zimbabwe following the first round of presidential elections, South African President Thabo Mbeki is again being criticized for his slow response to the violence. After merely calling for the mobs to end their attacks and expressing regret that such levels of violence were taking place in South Africa, which prides itself on being inclusive and welcome to foreigners, Mbeki finally deployed troops to protect the immigrants and assist local police in arresting the perpetrators. On May 21, 2008 troops were deployed more than one week after the outbreak of violence occurred. Significantly, this is the first time soldiers have been deployed on South African territory since the end of Apartheid, illustrating the intensity of the violence.
On May 22, 2008 troops and police conducted joint patrols in violence-affected areas. South African soldiers and police launched raids on three dormitory hostels in Alexandra, arresting 28 men and seizing weapons and ammunition. Additionally, air force helicopters were used to assist patrols in monitoring the situation.
On May 26, 2008, South African Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula stated the violence had subsided and no reports of major attacks had occurred on May 25, 2008.
Outlook
The violence, which lasted for over two weeks, has at least partially succeeded in its goal of forcing immigrants to leave the townships. Local media has reported that 26,000 Mozambicans were returning home, prompting the Mozambican government to declare a state of emergency. Additionally, an estimated 25,000 Zimbabweans were reportedly headed for Zambia as their native country continues to experience significant instability and a dismal economic situation. However, this is only a small fraction of the over three million Zimbabweans that have fled their country for South Africa. Malawi announced it was planning to evacuate 3,000 of its citizens. The relative success of the mob violence may embolden those harboring anti-immigrant sentiments in the near to mid-term.
The logistics of providing adequate aid to the 35,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) as well as the tens of thousands flooding nearby countries will require immediate focus by the South African government, the United Nations (UN), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
With tensions remaining elevated, security forces will need to continue to conduct patrols and work to protect the immigrants while also cracking down on the perpetrators. In the near-term, the potential for sporadic outbreaks of xenophobic violence remains.
Once the government is able to restore relative calm to the townships and ensure those displaced are provided with the necessary care, the government will need to develop a plan to address the root causes of the violence. The ANC has long ignored the ominous situation in the overcrowded townships. The events of the past two weeks demonstrate that the situation can no longer be ignored. Since addressing the causes of the violence will require a long-term solution, the potential for attacks aimed at foreigners will persist, requiring continued efforts by security forces to be prepared for a rapid response.
