Xenophobia in South Africa: Ruto Calls on African Leaders to Develop Their Countries

Kenyan President William Ruto, on a state visit to Pretoria on June 3-4, 2026, called on African leaders to create economic opportunities to reduce migration flows to South Africa, citing the continent's uneven development. The visit comes after weeks of anti-migrant tensions led by the 'March and March' movement and Operation Dudula, with violence reported in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. Human Rights Watch documented attacks against African and Asian nationals, while Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe issued travel advisories. Despite tensions, six memorandums of understanding were signed on trade facilitation, maritime cooperation, vocational training, gender equality, arts, and sports, and both countries welcomed the launch of commercial cargo under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).