Somalis in South Africa Face Surge in Xenophobic Attacks

CAPE TOWN - A flamboyant Somali businessman was shot and killed instantly in Phillipi, a neighborhood in Cape Town, officials said, in what is believed to be a Xenophobic attack targeting foreigners in the South African country.

Shool Mohamed Adde was attacked at his store by armed individuals believed to be South Africans, leading to his tragic death. South Africa is battling several Xenophobic cases, mostly targeting Somalis and Nigerians.

Witnesses said the assailants stole cash and personal belongings before fleeing the scene. The attack has led to renewed fears among Somali migrants over recurring attacks that have claimed dozens of lives in recent years, multiple sources said.

South African police have launched immediate investigations, but no arrests have been made so far. Authorities in the country are yet to release details with respect to the tragic attack on the Somali national.

But the Somali community leaders in Cape Town say the killing reflects a pattern of violence and intimidation faced by foreign shopkeepers, many of whom operate in low-income areas plagued by unemployment and crime.

Lobby groups, led by Amnesty International, have often urged South Africa to handle such cases by protecting immigrants, who are also indispensable to the country’s economic power, given their significant contributions to various sectors of the economy.

Despite these calls, little progress has been made in improving security for Somali-owned businesses, many of which have been looted or burned in past attacks. The embassy in Pretoria has often condemned such attacks on Somali citizens.Despite these calls, little progress has been made in improving security for Somali-owned businesses

South Africa is one of Africa's economic powerhouses, but its nationals often complain to authorities over the high rate of unemployment. Foreigners are blamed for "engaging in businesses meant for the locals," but the claim does not justify Xenophobic attacks.

GAROWE ONLINE