Thousands of Mozambicans were forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods due to violence perpetrated by South African citizens against African foreigners, including Mozambicans. The violence resulted in looting, displacement, harassment, and deadly riots in informal settlements, creating an environment of insecurity marked by threats, assaults, and property destruction. In response, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa apologized to his Mozambican counterpart, Daniel Chapo, for the recent violence, acknowledging that the South African government had not managed the situation well.
According to Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria dos Santos Lucas, President Ramaphosa offered his apology during a lecture at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, on the sidelines of the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Minister Lucas stated that President Ramaphosa expressed his apology with humility, acknowledging that the violence was perpetrated by South African citizens against foreigners, including Mozambicans. The minister noted that the South African government had previously treated the matter as illegal migration, but President Ramaphosa's apology marked a significant shift in the government's approach to the issue.
The xenophobic violence is expected to be a key topic of discussion during the SADC summit, with President Ramaphosa set to address the issue with his counterparts. Minister Lucas revealed that the South African government had already addressed the issue during the meeting of the Council of Ministers of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, and was congratulated for its efforts. The minister emphasized the need for further discussion and healing, stating that "we need to sit down and talk so that we can heal the open wounds".
In addition to addressing the xenophobic violence, the SADC summit will also focus on regional integration, including the approval of the SADC budget for 2026-2027 and an assessment of the operationalization of the SADC Regional Development Fund. Minister Lucas noted that some member states, such as Mozambique, had already signed the instrument relating to the Fund, but 11 member states needed to ratify it for it to come into force. The summit is expected to play a crucial role in promoting regional integration and addressing the economic and social challenges facing the region.
