MONROVIA, Liberia — Mounting fears over the safety of Liberians living in South Africa have prompted the Government of Liberia to launch an emergency voluntary evacuation operation, as growing anti-foreigner sentiment and a looming deportation ultimatum continue to heighten tensions across parts of the country.
The emergency response follows reports that a group of private South African protesters has issued a June 30 deadline demanding that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country, raising fresh concerns about the potential for xenophobic attacks and immigration-related enforcement actions.
In response to the deteriorating situation, Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), has organized air transportation for 29 Liberian citizens who formally requested assistance to return home.
Government records indicate that approximately 263 Liberians are currently residing in South Africa.
Officials said the evacuation is a precautionary measure intended to safeguard the lives and well-being of Liberian nationals who fear they could become targets amid rising hostility toward foreign nationals.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Liberian Embassy in Pretoria has remained in close contact with Liberian communities in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, monitoring developments while conducting outreach efforts to assess security conditions and provide accurate information.
Embassy officials have also been working closely with community leaders to identify Liberians seeking assistance and to coordinate preparations for their safe return to Liberia.
Authorities disclosed that many of the affected Liberians do not possess valid immigration documents, making them vulnerable to arrest or detention under South African immigration laws.
To facilitate their departure, the Embassy has issued Emergency Travel Certificates to eligible citizens while coordinating with South African authorities to ensure they can leave the country without unnecessary legal complications.
“The Ministry commends the leadership of the Liberian communities in South Africa for their cooperation throughout the outreach process,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
“Their support enabled embassy officials to engage directly with affected citizens, gather accurate information, and effectively coordinate the government’s response.”
Government officials are also urging Liberians who remain in South Africa to stay calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and maintain regular communication with the Liberian Embassy through its official channels for updates and assistance.
The latest evacuation effort comes against the backdrop of recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically been subjected to attacks, intimidation, and displacement during periods of economic hardship, unemployment, and social unrest.
Although the current operation is voluntary, Liberian authorities say they will continue monitoring developments closely and remain prepared to provide additional assistance should conditions further deteriorate.
The emergency repatriation initiative reflects Liberia’s broader commitment to protecting its citizens abroad while working through diplomatic channels to ensure their safety during periods of heightened insecurity.
