By Kipkorir Chang'toek
Peace and security expert Philemon Samoei has warned that the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa threatens regional integration, economic cooperation and peace across the African continent.
Speaking to Uasin Gishu News, Samoei said the attacks not only threaten the lives of foreign nationals but also undermine decades of efforts to promote African unity and movement of people across the continent.
“This is a huge challenge for us within the region. Although the attacks are happening within the South African regional bloc, this spills over to the Eastern Africa region because we have many people living, working and doing business in South Africa,” Samoei said.
The former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer with an interest in diplomacy and international relations urged the South African government to ensure that all the people responsible for instability in South Africa and Africa at large are held accountable.
“There has to be accountability as well. There has to be a way in which life and property are protected regardless of which region or which citizens come from where,” he added.
The conflict researcher said if the trend continues, it paints a negative image of Africa and may affect regional economic strength. He further called on African leaders to condemn the attacks against migrants in South Africa.
How many Kenyans have been evacuated from South Africa?
This warning comes at a time when the government of Kenya has evacuated over 150 citizens while over 240 Kenyans have requested to be evacuated. It is reported that there are between 27,000 and 30,000 Kenyans in South Africa.
Reports from South African police indicate that over 900 South Africans linked to violent attacks on foreigners and looting of migrant-owned businesses have been arrested. Between 2008 and 2026, Africa’s most industrialised economy has witnessed over four waves of violent attacks against migrants. Over 160 people have been killed in the xenophobic attacks.
A section of South Africans accuse foreign nationals of taking over their jobs, unfair business practices, an increase in criminal cases and exerting undue pressure on public services.
The violent attacks undermine the African Union vision of a united Africa and also weaken initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, which largely depend on the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent. It further threatens diplomatic relations, regional peace, and economic cooperation among African states.
