South Africa has strengthened the police because of migrant protests

• Police and military equipment have been deployed in several cities and provinces ahead of demonstrations against illegal migration.
• Organizers declared June 30 the final deadline for departure, but the government did not recognize this demand.
• Some migrants have already left or sought assistance from their embassies and consulates.

Large-scale protests against illegal migration are taking place in South Africa on June 30, and the authorities have deployed police in cities and provinces to prevent possible violence. In Johannesburg, Durban, the Eastern Cape Province, as well as in the North West and Free State provinces, demonstrators and security forces have been spotted.

Organizers, including groups March and March, Operation Dudula, and Progressive Forces, declared June 30 an unofficial deadline for the departure of illegal migrants. They say they are acting peacefully, while the government does not recognize this deadline and emphasizes that only state authorities can enforce migration laws.

President Cyril Ramaphosa met in advance with leaders of some of these groups and called for peaceful demonstrations. He also said that the security services are ready to respond to any possible unrest.

According to local and international reports, the country has already seen weeks of tension and occasional violent xenophobic incidents, mostly targeting African migrants. In recent days, reports have emerged of foreign-owned shops being closed, street checks, and some migrants leaving for neighboring countries, including Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Tags: Middle East/Politics