Xenophobia: Mozambique, South Africa, and Eswatini want an economic zone – Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs stated Thursday that the solution to xenophobia in South Africa starts with the creation of more jobs; hence, she announced that the two countries and Eswatini are now betting on the creation of a special economic zone at their joint border. “If you look at the percentage of the African population living in South Africa, it is only 4%; if you look at the population detained for crimes (…) our African population does not reach more than 6%. So, what this means is that the problem really isn’t that—of having Africans there in South Africa—the problem is economic and social; it is unemployment,” said Maria Lucas, Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, in Maputo.

South Africa has recorded demonstrations and social tensions targeting migrants; at the beginning of the month, a march against immigration culminated in attacks on foreign-owned businesses in the Eastern Cape province, in the east of the country. According to the Mozambican official, the solution to the crisis is not police or military-based, but rather the economic development of countries “to be able to provide employment.” “The official information we have so far is that no Mozambican has been affected by this situation, and we will continue to monitor it,” said the Mozambican Head of State, Daniel Chapo, in Pretoria, while reviewing his visit to that neighboring country. Xenophobic tensions are a recurring problem in South Africa.

Numerous immigrant communities have been repatriated by their own countries, such as Mozambique or Nigeria, and South Africa has been the target of harsh international criticism for xenophobia. Chapo expressed “deep concern” regarding the acts of violence and intolerance directed against African foreigners, including Mozambicans residing in South Africa, having expressed his confidence in that country’s Government, indicating that it will ensure the protection of those residing there. The Mozambican President asked for “calm and serenity” from nationals in South Africa, promising continuous efforts for the resumption of stability and peace.