United States issues alert amid concerns over unrest in South Africa

Words: Betha Madhomu/African Insider

The United States Consulate General in Durban has issued a safety alert after reports of looting and violence targeting foreign nationals in the city’s central business district.

Tensions reportedly escalated on Wednesday after vehicles believed to belong to foreign nationals were damaged with stones, while shops owned by foreign nationals were reportedly looted.

The US Consulate has urged US government personnel to avoid the Durban CBD and exercise extreme caution until further notice.

“Avoid the area, steer clear of crowds and demonstrations, maintain a low profile, remain alert to their surroundings, monitor local media for developments, review personal security plans,” the consulate said.

Durban, South Africa: U.S. Consulate General Durban is aware of reports of looting and violence targeting foreign nationals in Durban’s central business district (CBD) today, October 7, 2026. U.S. government personnel have been instructed to exercise extreme caution in this area and divert travel as needed until further notice. Avoid the area. Keep a low profile and be aware of your surroundings. More at: https://t.co/Lk3VKr2678

TravelGov (@TravelGov) October 7, 2026

It also advised US personnel to contact the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 10111 or 112 from a mobile phone in an emergency.

The latest unrest comes amid sustained protests and campaigns over undocumented migration in KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of South Africa.

Earlier this year, anti-illegal immigration demonstrations escalated in several provinces, with protesters threatening the safety of foreign nationals and their property.

Undocumented migrants 

Organisations including March and March have campaigned for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa, setting a 30 June deadline earlier this year.

ASYLUM APPLICATIONS | More police reinforcements have been called in as tensions run high outside the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre in Durban. SABC News reporter Taliesha Naidoo is on the ground monitoring developments. https://t.co/b8Tjj6lbQ3

SABC News (@SABCNews) October 7, 2026

The protests have contributed to growing concerns among migrant communities, with reports that nationals from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and Zimbabwe have left South Africa amid the tensions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously rejected claims that South Africa is inherently xenophobic.

“South Africans are not xenophobic. South Africans are Africans; they want to live with other Africans peacefully,” Ramaphosa said in June.

WATCH | Tensions ran high outside the Department of Home Affairs’ Refugee Reception Centre in Durban when a group of disgruntled South Africans called for the facility to stop processing asylum applications. SABC News reporter Taliesha Naidoo has more. https://t.co/wE8gvBKprl

SABC News (@SABCNews) October 7, 2026

He said the government was addressing challenges linked to migration while calling for peaceful coexistence and greater economic cooperation across the continent.

The latest incidents in Durban have nevertheless prompted heightened security concerns, with the US Consulate urging its personnel to remain vigilant and monitor developments before travelling into affected areas.

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Source: African Insider