Maputo, Aug. 12, 2026 (Lusa) - Mozambique last week received 599 nationals repatriated from South Africa who had been victims of xenophobic violence, the minister of foreign affairs said on Wednesday, calling for the issue of migration in the region to be discussed at the next SADC summit.
«They were all in Lindela [a South African detention centre]. We were informed, so we were able to make the necessary arrangements. We weren't given much time, but at least we managed to get organised,» said the minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Maria Lucas, explaining that it was a «coordinated repatriation».
The minister was responding to questions from journalists at the presentation to the Mozambican president of the credentials of the new ambassadors from Cuba, South Africa, Thailand, Nigeria, Ghana, Namibia, Slovakia and Denmark.
With these 599, added to the 1,472 previously announced by the Government, Mozambique has now received 2,071 repatriated nationals due to the wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has officially claimed the lives of 11 Mozambicans.
Against this backdrop, Maria Lucas stated that Mozambique would like the heads of state and government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to discuss the migration situation at their next summit, scheduled for 17 August, whilst acknowledging that countries in the region have been putting pressure on South Africa.
«I would say that this may be the ideal platform for all of us to speak out, so as not to foster the sentiment that is already taking hold here, which is not good. Yes, every time we see a South African woman or man, we immediately feel that we no longer want to see them. I don't think we should be like that. We Mozambicans are not like that. But it is because of the hurt we feel,» she said.
For the minister, the summit provides a suitable opportunity to discuss the problem of xenophobia and find concrete solutions.
«We all understand South Africa, which is under a great deal of pressure regarding immigration, particularly illegal immigration, but perhaps it was the way they handled the matter, the way our Mozambicans were caught off guard, the way they were treated and continue to be treated – because we've all been following the situation,» she added, criticising the violence against foreigners.
«What we are saying is that we understand the situation, but perhaps, as a family, we should have sat down to see how we could organise ourselves so that those without documents who are in South Africa illegally could leave with dignity. And then sit down and talk about how to organise our immigration,» emphasised Maria Lucas.
South African anti-immigration protesters had set a deadline of 30 June for all foreigners to leave the country, with the South African Government announcing at the time restrictions on immigration policies and a step-up in security.
Incidents of violence against foreigners have intensified in South Africa since the end of May, involving assaults, intimidation, looting, the burning of homes and the forced expulsion of citizens from various African countries.
On 1 July, the Mozambican president, Daniel Chapo, acknowledged the worsening of xenophobia in South Africa, following violent incidents involving Mozambican citizens, and gave assurances that the logistical arrangements were in place for the repatriation and reception of the victims.
Mozambique has around 300,000 citizens living in South Africa. The Presidency stated in a press release that thousands have already returned to the country due to the violence.
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