Ghana to evacuate 300 citizens from South Africa amid anti-immigrant protests
Ghana's government said it will repatriate 300 of its citizens after a wave of anti-immigrant protests in South Africa. BBC reported that demonstrations in Pretoria and Johannesburg damaged shops and homes. The evacuation is expected to begin in the coming days.
According to BBC, Ghana's foreign ministry decided on a voluntary evacuation after rising threats against Ghanaian residents in South Africa. The first phase plans to bring 300 people to Accra on charter flights. The ministry also said it had reinforced staffing at the Ghanaian embassy in Pretoria.
Last week's marches in South Africa saw protesters blame high unemployment on migrant workers. Police said a number of shops in Pretoria and Johannesburg had been destroyed. BBC reported that Nigerian and Zimbabwean nationals were also targeted in the unrest.
South Africa's president said the violence was unacceptable and that judicial processes would be expedited. The African Union said it would closely monitor the situation. Ghana said it could increase the number of evacuees if needed.
More from Africa
France seeks to move beyond colonial ties by meeting African leaders in Kenya
France hosted a summit with African leaders in Nairobi aimed at redefining ties beyond the colonial era. BBC reported that talks focused on trade, development finance and security cooperation. France is seeking to offset shrinking influence in West Africa in recent years.
Mali junta leader names himself defence minister after predecessor killed
Mali's military junta leader has assumed the role of defence minister after his predecessor, Sadio Camara, was killed in a major offensive by combined jihadist and separatist forces.
Dozens of dogs rescued in Uganda after BBC dog-scam investigation
Ugandan police rescued dozens of dogs and arrested a suspect after a BBC investigation exposed scammers who abused animals to elicit donations from animal lovers abroad.