Anti-migrant protesters rally outside SADC leaders' summit in South Africa
Demonstrators gathered outside a Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in South Africa, demanding neighbouring countries take back their citizens. The protest highlights growing tension over migration in the country.
Protesters opposed to migration gathered outside the venue of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit of regional leaders in South Africa. The demonstrators called on the assembled leaders to ensure that their citizens living in South Africa are sent back to their home countries.
The protest took place as the government in Pretoria attempts to manage two competing pressures. On one hand, it is working to repair relationships with neighbouring countries that have grown strained. On the other, it faces a powerful domestic anti-migrant movement pushing for tougher action on migration.
According to the report, frustration continues to build on multiple fronts — both in South Africa's ties with its regional neighbours and within the country itself, where dissatisfaction with migration policy persists. The episode reflects a broader regional dynamic in which migration between Southern African countries is becoming an increasingly sensitive political issue.
The report was produced by France 24's programme "Eye on Africa", which covered both the protest itself and the wider context of South Africa's effort to balance diplomatic ties with its neighbours against pressure from the anti-migrant movement at home.
