Mozambicans defy xenophobia, still trekking to SA

MAPUTO, FEWER than anticipated numbers of Mozambicans have returned to their country following the recent violence against migrants in South Africa.

According to the National Institute of Disaster Management (INGC) more than 100 people have been repatriated back to Mozambique after the violence in September.

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) noted that this has drastically decreased from the initial estimates of around 500 people.

In fact, FEWS NET said the recent violence against African migrants in South Africa does not seem to have major influence on flow of migrants to South Africa as these attacks are recurrent.

Within Mozambique’s borders, migration to urban centres within Mozambique, is taking place at slightly higher than normal levels due to the severity of drought conditions.

Mozambique is among some African countries that repatriated its citizens in the wake of the violence against migrants in South Africa, where at least 12 people were killed.

In Mozambique, Nigeria and Zambia, locals targeted South African-owned chain stores and trucks in retaliatory attacks.

Mozambique is meanwhile suffering the effects of a drought, terror attacks by Muslim radicals and insurgents as well an election outcome that the opposition parties have challenged.

Mozambique also drastically suffered from effects of cyclones Idai and Kenneth induced floods.

Filipe Nyusi, in power since 2014, was recently re-elected Mozambican president for yet another term.

Source: CAJ News Agency

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