Somali Embassy Urges Calm As South Africa Braces for Anti-Immigrant Protests

Johannesburg — Somalia's embassy in South Africa has urged Somali nationals to remain calm and rely only on official information amid growing concerns over anti-immigrant protests planned across the country.

In a statement, the embassy said that as of June 30, 2026, there was no new government policy or security directive specifically targeting Somalis or foreign nationals living in South Africa.

The mission said South African authorities had reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and safety of everyone in the country, regardless of nationality or immigration status, and stressed that acts of xenophobia, discrimination or violence would not be tolerated.

The embassy also advised members of the Somali community to avoid unverified reports circulating on social media and instead follow updates issued by official institutions.