The Zimbabwean Embassy in London has urged Zimbabwean nationals living in Northern Ireland to remain vigilant following several days of unrest that have left communities on edge and prompted heightened security concerns.
In a public advisory issued on June 11, 2026, the embassy encouraged Zimbabweans in Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland to avoid areas affected by protests, demonstrations or public disturbances and to follow instructions issued by local authorities.
The warning comes after three consecutive nights of disorder across parts of Northern Ireland, during which homes and vehicles were set ablaze, water cannon were deployed and more than a dozen police officers were injured.
The embassy advised citizens to stay alert, particularly during the evening, keep relatives informed of their whereabouts and closely monitor official safety updates.
“The Embassy is closely monitoring developments and remains in contact with the relevant authorities,” the statement said.
Zimbabweans requiring urgent assistance were urged to contact the embassy through its emergency hotline or by email.
The violence followed a knife attack in Belfast on Monday evening. A 30-year-old Sudanese man has since been charged with attempted murder.
Footage of the incident quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking widespread discussion and fuelling calls for protests. While many demonstrations remained peaceful, other gatherings descended into violence as masked individuals took to the streets.
Police have reported growing concerns over online activity linked to the unrest. Social media posts circulated details of planned protests, road blockades and anti-immigration messages.
Some posts even contained lists of residential addresses, prompting warnings from authorities that lives could be placed at risk.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said residents whose addresses were shared online had been left distressed by the posts.
Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said investigators had uncovered evidence that social media had played a significant role in coordinating and encouraging disorder.
“That momentum, that drive, that toxicity is what’s bringing people out onto the streets. It needs to stop,” Henderson said.
Communications regulator Ofcom has also expressed concern, stating that some of the violence appears to have been encouraged online, including racially motivated attacks, arson incidents and assaults on police officers.
Authorities noted similarities to unrest seen in 2025 when protests in Ballymena and other towns deteriorated into violence that police described as racist in nature.
Despite speculation, the PSNI said there was currently no evidence that loyalist paramilitary organisations were orchestrating the latest disorder. Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson also denied any involvement by such groups, saying their leadership had neither participated in nor encouraged the unrest.
Against this backdrop, the Zimbabwean Embassy has called on members of the Zimbabwean community to remain calm, prioritise their personal safety and immediately report any threats or incidents to the PSNI.
The embassy said it would continue monitoring the situation closely as authorities work to restore order.
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