Sunday, May 25, 2008

To my friends traveling in Africa:

Avoid South Africa! For now, anyway.
Details from my emergency travel insurance:


Security Situation Updates - South Africa

May 25, 2008 12:20 GMT
ANC Holds Rallies against Xenophobic Attacks

Members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) organized public meetings and rallies on 25 May against the ongoing xenophobic violence in the country.

President Thabo Mbeki addressed a public gathering at Healdtown in Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape. ANC President Jacob Zuma and other leaders are expected to hold public meetings amid the Gugulethu community at the Bekkerton Hall in 'Springs' on the East Rand, Dawn Park community at the Mapleton open grounds, and Delomore community at the Jerusalem open ground.

Rallies are scheduled to be organized at the Etwatwa stadium, Mehlareng stadium in Themisa, Huntersfield Stadium, Orange Farm communities at the Leshata Secondry School, Raphela Secondary School, Thetha Secondary School and other areas in Gauteng with substantial immigrant population.

Security personnel backed by the military remain on high alert level particularly in the suburbs of Johannesburg to avert any further outbreak of violence.

At least 50 people have been killed and nearly 25,000 displaced in a wave of xenophobic violence that began on 11 May in Alexandra township, north-east of Johannesburg. The attacks have targeted foreigners of African origin including nationals from Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Somalia. The residents accuse the migrants for increasing crime levels within the country as also for depriving them of employment and housing. An estimated three million Zimbabweans as well as 50,000 Mozambicans are believed to be currently residing in South Africa. The mobilisation programme of the ANC is an attempt to curb the rising anti-immigrant violence and restore stability in the affected communities.

Despite deployment of military personnel in Johannesburg on 22 May, the security situation remains fragile. The subsequent spread of violence to other regions of the country including provinces of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal in the east as well as in Western Cape is indicative of the deteriorating law and order situation within the country as well as government's inept handling of the crisis.

Travel disruption is likely due to the scheduled rallies and public gatherings. There remains a high possibility of further outbreak of violence targeting immigrants in the country. Foreign nationals and businesses face a high risk of being directly targeted and also face a risk of incidental violence. International SOS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as warranted.

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