World news – Embassy 8 – May 2008

Missions step up security in RSA

Diplomatic missions in South Africa are considering moving their staff into high-security compounds following a spate of crime and mob violence.

The British High Commission is about to sign a lease on a 'gated complex' under construction in Pretoria, expected to house about 40 staff.

A spokeswoman for the US Embassy in Pretoria confirmed that it was now policy to house new personnel in secure, multi-unit complexes.

Meanwhile, staff at the Chinese embassy have been living in a secure compound for the past three years.

Some embassies have also warned their citizens not to travel in certain areas following the outbreak of anti-immigrant violence in which killed 62 foreigners and wounded 670 last month.

Many sub-Saharan consulates were working long hours to aid nationals fleeing the violence.

A spokesman at the Mozambique High Commission told Embassy they had assisted 700 destitute nationals, but that about 25,000 Mozambicans had made their own way home.

Heads of mission from the Southern African Development Community, meeting in Pretoria, said the wave of attacks on foreign nationals was deeply worrying and urged the South African government to find a permanent solution to the crisis.

However, they said they appreciated the South African government's prompt response in quelling the violence.

In a letter sent in April, the group of African ambassadors had warned the department of foreign affairs of dangerous levels of xenophobia.