South Africa asks African states for repatriation costs

South Africa is asking several African governments to reimburse it for the cost of repatriating tens of thousands of their citizens. The Border Management Authority said almost 90,000 people were processed through the Lindela Repatriation Centre, after being found without valid documents. The request comes after a wave of protests and violence against illegal immigration, leading to mass deportations. The government has faced domestic pressure to act, while critics have accused it of xenophobia. South Africa has spent an estimated R300 million on the repatriations. Strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and its neighbors could lead to retaliatory measures or further strain regional cooperation.