The director-general of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Ghebreyesus, has expressed concern over the rising wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing the situation as heartbreaking.

Mr Ghebreyesus made this call in a statement on Sunday, while also condemning the alleged killings of several Ethiopians and Mozambicans in the wake of the anti-immigration demonstrations, which have seen hundreds of thousands march through cities in South Africa. 

“It is profoundly heartbreaking to witness another surge of xenophobic violence in South Africa this week. Hundreds have marched on Parliament, thousands of families have been displaced, and lives have been tragically cut short,” the Ethiopian-born health administrator said. 

He added, “These include at least five Ethiopians killed earlier in the attacks, and five Mozambicans who died in Mossel Bay. Thousands more are now fleeing for their lives.”

Mr Ghebreyesus described the xenophobic attacks in South Africa as a betrayal of Africa’s collective efforts in the fight against the apartheid regime in the country.

“To see South Africa turn to xenophobia is a tragic betrayal of the country’s struggle for independence and freedom. African nations stood united to dismantle apartheid. Ethiopia proudly supported Madiba, Nelson Mandela, in 1962 and issued him a passport so he could travel the continent. Other countries helped in many ways, including with political and financial support,” Mr Ghebreyesus stated. 

He warned South Africans against vigilantism, stating, “Disagreements and grievances must be addressed by the justice system and the rule of law, never through vigilante violence and collective punishment.”

Several countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, have continued to repatriate their citizens from South Africa since the latest wave of violent attacks in the country. The first batch of 258 Nigerians arrived in Lagos from the country last week.