Tanzanian Officials Urge Calm Over South Africa Xenophobia Claims

Tanzania's High Commissioner in South Africa, James Buanna, dismissed viral social media claims regarding xenophobic attacks against Tanzanians living in South Africa. Buanna asserted that Tanzanians residing in the country are safe. The Tanzanian embassy in Pretoria has dismissed media reports regarding xenophobic attacks, labeling them as based on misleading video footage. The embassy stated the videos are either outdated or misidentified and contain no verified evidence of Tanzanians being targeted. Community leaders and United States representatives have assisted in identifying the context of the clips. Representatives of the Tanzanian diaspora in Pretoria have denied claims of rising xenophobia, stating that misinformation is causing fear. Reactions in Dar es Salaam are mixed, with some residents citing South Africa's history of sporadic xenophobic violence as a concern. Other residents suggested social media is fueling unnecessary panic without factual basis. The situation follows historical context regarding Tanzania's support for South Africa's liberation struggle. Buena characterized these reports as unfounded. Officials at the Tanzanian High Commission in Pretoria are urging calm following viral social media videos alleging xenophobic attacks against Tanzanians in South Africa. Tanzanian officials noted that misleading videos have caused panic among families in Tanzania.