Xenophobic violence continues in South Africa

"They hate us, but we do not know why. We do not take the South Africans jobs. It alone is doing."

Tension remains high in South Africa, theater for three weeks of xenophobic violence. In Johannesburg, shops run by foreigners were again looted during the night, angering immigrants who accuse the South African government for not protecting them. Equipped for some machetes to defend themselves, they do not understand the hatred with which they are subject. '' They hate us, but we do not know why, said the Nigerian. We do not take the South Africans jobs. We cope alone. ''

'' During apartheid, it was argued South Africa. So we want the government to understand that we are united, '' says the man.

South Africa has some five million immigrants, mostly from African countries. In a nation marked by rising unemployment, they have become scapegoats. The South African government condemns the violence which it is subject, and alleged a violation of South African values. '' The recent attacks against foreigners, especially against our African brothers from different African countries, are a threat to our historic achievements as a nation. In addition, the attacks are against democratic values ​​enshrined in our Constitution, '' said Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, South African Minister for International Relations. ''

The day before, some 4,000 people marched in Durban to denounce the violence, which has already caused several deaths, between four and six according to sources. The UN, which says very 'concerned' by the situation, also announced the figure of 5,000 displaced foreigners, most refugees and asylum seekers.