The government of Ghana has announced plans to evacuate 300 of its citizens from South Africa following a resurgence of anti-immigrant violence in several provinces. The British consulate in Johannesburg has confirmed it remains on standby to assist dual nationals should the situation deteriorate further.

Evacuation flights, organised by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are expected to depart from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport within 48 hours. Priority will be given to women, children, and the elderly. The move follows an emergency meeting between Ghana’s ambassador to South Africa and South African authorities, during which assurances of safe passage were sought.

The riots, which began in the Gauteng province last week, have spread to parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Targets have included foreign-owned shops and residences, with reports of looting and arson. At least five people have been killed, and over 100 arrested. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence as “an affront to the values of our constitution” and has deployed additional police units to affected areas.

Ghana is not alone in its response. Nigeria and Zimbabwe have issued travel advisories cautioning their citizens against non-essential travel to South Africa. The African Union has called for restraint and dialogue, urging host governments to protect foreign nationals.

The British consulate in Johannesburg, which provides consular services to British nationals in South Africa, is monitoring the situation. A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the reports and are ready to offer consular assistance to British nationals who may be affected. We urge all British nationals in the area to follow the advice of local authorities.”

For Ghanaian citizens, the evacuation marks a significant logistical undertaking. The government has chartered three aircraft from Africa World Airlines, with costs to be borne by the state. Successful repatriation is likely to bolster President Nana Akufo-Addo’s standing domestically, where criticism of his handling of the diaspora has been muted in recent months.

Analysts have warned that the violence, if unchecked, could undermine investor confidence in South Africa, which is already grappling with high unemployment and sluggish economic growth. The rand has weakened against the dollar in response to the unrest, and tourism bookings have seen a dip.

In the long term, these riots threaten to erode the soft power South Africa has cultivated as a regional leader. The country’s ability to manage xenophobic sentiment while maintaining its status as a preferred destination for migrants will be closely watched by its neighbours and the international community.