Ouagadougou: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stern warning to citizens ahead of planned protests against illegal immigration, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and promising justice in the event of criminal acts. In a message on the presidential website, President Ramaphosa underlined the balance between the right to protest and the responsibilities that accompany it.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the president stated, "In the event of a criminal act, those responsible will be held accountable and justice will take its course," dismissing any justifications for violence based on political or social grievances. He highlighted the positive contributions of legally residing foreigners to the economy and affirmed their right to legal protection.

President Ramaphosa urged protest organizers to adhere to their commitment to peaceful demonstrations, stressing that no cause justifies neglecting responsibility. He condemned vigilante actions, describing them as a betrayal of the constitutional order and criticized the extrajudicial identity checks reminiscent of apartheid-era practices.

Drawing historical parallels, Ramaphosa invoked "the painful history of pass laws" to caution against repeating past injustices. Law enforcement officials have pledged to uphold the rule of law amidst concerns of potential unrest.

South Africa has experienced recurrent demonstrations and xenophobic violence targeting immigrants, particularly from other African nations. Amid economic challenges and social tensions, immigrant communities often become scapegoats for local groups.

In conclusion, President Ramaphosa called for adherence to law, dialogue over confrontation, and justice over revenge, aiming to steer the nation away from divisiveness and towards unity.