Forum for Democracy and Rights Defenders (FDRD) has urged the government to temporarily restrict travel to South Africa, warning that recurring xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals pose a serious threat to the safety of Malawians living and travelling there.

In a petition submitted to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), FDRD Chairperson Shaibu Ajassie and General Secretary Ceasar Kondowe expressed concern over recent reports of killings, assaults and other forms of violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

The organisation argues that the government has a constitutional obligation to protect Malawian citizens from threats to their lives, safety and wellbeing, regardless of whether such threats occur within or outside the country’s borders.

Meanwhile, the government has appealed for financial and humanitarian support to assist in the voluntary repatriation of Malawian nationals stranded in South Africa.

According to a press statement issued by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), about 10,000 Malawians were stranded and distressed in South Africa as of June 13.

DoDMA Commissioner Wilson Moleni said the government has already launched a comprehensive response to facilitate the safe return of affected Malawians. However, he noted that the repatriation exercise has placed significant financial, logistical and humanitarian pressure on available resources.

Moleni therefore appealed to development partners, humanitarian organisations, the private sector and well-wishers to support the ongoing efforts to assist the affected Malawian nationals.