Liberians in South Africa Appeal for Government Help as Anti-Immigrant Tensions Rise

Durban, South Africa,Liberians living in Durban, South Africa, are appealing to the Liberian Government for urgent assistance as growing anti-immigrant protests have left many fearing for their safety.

According to the Liberian community in Durban, uncertainty surrounding an unofficial June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration groups for undocumented foreigners to leave the country has created panic among foreign nationals. South African authorities have clarified that this is not an official government deadline, but fears remain because of recent attacks and threats against migrants. (AFP Fact Check)

Community leaders say about 80 Liberians currently live in Durban, with only 10 planning to leave before the protests. Nationwide, they estimate that around 350 Liberians reside across South Africa, while only about 30 have indicated they are willing to return voluntarily to Liberia.

Many of those remaining say they cannot afford to leave and have spent years building their lives in South Africa through employment, businesses, and raising families.

“We have nowhere to go,” members of the community said in an appeal to the Liberian Government. “Many of us have spent years building our lives here. We are law-abiding residents, but we are living in fear.”

The community also expressed disappointment over what it described as the lack of assistance from the Liberian Embassy in South Africa, claiming repeated requests for help have received little or no response.

They are calling on the Government of Liberia to engage South African authorities to ensure the safety of Liberian citizens, provide emergency consular assistance, establish temporary shelter for vulnerable nationals, and assist those wishing to return home with travel documents and transportation.

The appeal was signed by Dominic Tarpeh Doe, Chairman of the Liberian Community in Durban, and Boley Benson, Secretary of the community, who warned that without immediate intervention, dozens of Liberians could face an uncertain future.

Background

South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with major attacks recorded in 2008, 2015, 2019, and again in 2026. Foreign nationals, particularly those from other African countries, have often been blamed for unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services despite there being no evidence that migrants are responsible for these broader economic challenges. (AP News)

In recent weeks, anti-immigration groups have organized protests demanding that undocumented migrants leave South Africa by June 30. Although the South African government has rejected the ultimatum and warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands, thousands of migrants have fled their homes or sought refuge in temporary shelters amid fears of violence. Police have increased security ahead of the planned demonstrations. (iol.co.za)