The Federal Government has announced that at least 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa, as tensions rise due to anti-foreigner protests in several cities. The move aims to safeguard Nigerian citizens amid growing fears of xenophobic attacks.
Evacuation Plans Underway
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the development in a situation report on her X handle. She stated that the evacuation arrangement is part of broader diplomatic and security measures coordinated with Nigerian missions in South Africa. The plan follows directives from President Bola Tinubu, who ordered heightened monitoring and stronger protection for Nigerians abroad.
Rising Tensions in South Africa
Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa are living in fear after renewed anti-foreigner protests in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal. Many have closed businesses early and avoided public gatherings. Experts have urged urgent action to stop xenophobia.
According to the minister, while viral images on social media suggested violence, official reports from South African authorities indicate that protests between April 27 and 29, 2026, were largely peaceful. However, security operatives occasionally used tear gas to disperse gatherings.
Experts Call for Action
Former Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ogbole Odey urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to protect citizens abroad while encouraging lawful migration. He stressed structured diplomacy and stronger enforcement during demonstrations to prevent violence. Odey also called for deeper bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa to manage migration beneficially.
Dengiyefa Angalapu, a political analyst at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), attributed recurring xenophobic tensions to governance challenges and economic hardship. He noted that migrants are often unfairly blamed for structural economic issues. He urged stronger consular protection, rapid response mechanisms, and enhanced legal support for affected Nigerians.
Pan-African Condemnation
The Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission condemned the attacks, describing them as contrary to African Union principles of unity and free movement. The Mission called on the AU and South African authorities to strengthen accountability and prosecute those responsible for violence. It emphasized that silence or weak responses could worsen the situation and urged enhanced early-warning systems and continental cooperation to prevent future outbreaks.
