Johannesburg (WDN) – Businesses owned by Somali traders across several South African cities remained shuttered on Monday as fears mounted over possible attacks following the expiration of an ultimatum issued by anti-immigrant groups demanding that foreign nationals leave the country.

The deadline, which expired on June 30, came after weeks of growing tensions fueled by large-scale demonstrations organized by groups opposed to the presence of foreign-owned businesses in South Africa. Protest organizers had warned that if foreign nationals failed to leave by the end of June, they would begin targeting immigrant-owned shops in July, threatening to loot businesses and carry out violent attacks.

As the deadline passed, reports from several towns indicated that Somali-owned shops and other immigrant-run businesses remained closed as owners chose caution over commerce. Images circulating from affected areas showed normally busy commercial districts deserted, with storefronts locked and streets unusually quiet.

The atmosphere of uncertainty has left many Somali entrepreneurs fearing a repeat of previous waves of xenophobic violence that have periodically swept across South Africa, claiming lives, destroying livelihoods, and displacing hundreds of foreign nationals.

South African police have reportedly stepped up security measures in an effort to prevent violence and maintain public order. Authorities are seeking to deter protesters and avert any attacks on foreign-owned businesses as tensions remain high.

Despite the threats, some Somali business owners have insisted they have every legal right to remain in the country and continue operating their businesses. They argue that their enterprises are lawfully registered, contribute to local economies, and provide essential goods and services to surrounding communities.

The latest developments have reignited concerns among immigrant communities, particularly Somalis, Ethiopians, Pakistanis, and other African nationals who have repeatedly borne the brunt of xenophobic unrest in South Africa over the past two decades. Many fear that inflammatory rhetoric and calls for violence could once again erupt into widespread attacks if the situation is not swiftly contained.

With July now underway, security agencies face mounting pressure to prevent a repeat of the deadly episodes of xenophobic violence that have scarred South Africa’s reputation and left immigrant communities living in fear. For thousands of Somali families whose livelihoods depend on small businesses, the coming days are expected to be critical as they wait anxiously to see whether calm prevails or the threats materialize into another wave of violence.

WardheerNews