The Migrant Workers Association of Lesotho (MWAL) issues an urgent plea as anti-foreigner protests intensify in South Africa. The group condemns violence and looting aimed at foreign-owned businesses, saying residents from all communities should be protected. MWAL calls on authorities to prevent further unrest and to ensure security measures apply equally to all residents.
The association also warns against repeating what it describes as past mistakes from Lesotho’s 1998 unrest. In its statement, MWAL frames its message around solidarity and identity, saying, “We are Africans first,” while distancing itself from attacks and illegal activity. The group’s position focuses on condemning harm directed at businesses and people associated with foreign nationalities, and urging the government to respond to the unrest.
Overall, the report highlights rising tensions linked to anti-foreigner sentiment and the backlash being felt by foreign-owned enterprises, while migrant representatives call for calm, protection, and avoidance of historical patterns that led to broader instability.
