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The head of the World Health Organisation has condemned the surge of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying the violence is a “tragic betrayal” of the country’s liberation struggle and calling on authorities to uphold the rule of law.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a social media statement on Sunday that hundreds have marched on Parliament, thousands of families have been displaced and lives have been cut short in the latest wave of attacks.
At least five Ethiopians have been killed in the unrest, Tedros said, along with five Mozambicans who died in Mossel Bay. Thousands more are now fleeing for their lives, he added.
“To see South Africa turn to xenophobia is a tragic betrayal of the country’s struggle for independence and freedom,” Tedros wrote.
“African nations stood united to dismantle apartheid.”
The Ethiopian-born WHO chief noted that Ethiopia supported Nelson Mandela in 1962, issuing him a passport to travel the continent, while other African nations provided political and financial backing in the fight against white-minority rule.
Tedros said disagreements and grievances must be addressed through the justice system and the rule of law, “never through vigilante violence and collective punishment.”
“South Africa deserves better. Africa deserves better,” he said, urging an end to the hate and protection of the vulnerable.
South Africa has witnessed repeated outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence in recent months, with foreign nationals from other African countries often targeted by mobs accusing them of taking jobs and committing crimes.
It is profoundly heartbreaking to witness another surge of xenophobic violence in #SouthAfrica this week. Hundreds have marched on Parliament, thousands of families have been displaced, and lives have been tragically cut short.
These include at least five Ethiopians killed… pic.twitter.com/0W5nssBZI8
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) June 14, 2026
