Nigeria has issued a strong warning to South Africa over the recent wave of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, described the attacks as disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that African unity cannot be achieved while Africans remain unsafe on the continent.
Official demands immediate action
In a statement released on Monday, Oshodi called on South African authorities to investigate every reported attack, protect Nigerian communities, restrain vigilante groups, prosecute wrongdoers, and activate the Nigeria–South Africa Early Warning Mechanism without further delay. “Africa cannot speak of unity while Africans remain unsafe in Africa. The warning is simple: Nigeria expects action,” he said.
Escalating violence and protests
The anti-foreigner campaign, which began in April, has intensified following a 30 June deadline set by aggressors for foreigners to leave South Africa. On Tuesday, thousands of South Africans marched across cities, including Pietermaritzburg, where protesters chanted “Abahambe!” (“They must go!” in Zulu). At least 12 deaths have been attributed to the violence, including two Nigerians, five Mozambicans, and five Ethiopians.
Diplomatic tensions and repatriations
The crisis has strained relations between South Africa and several African nations. In April and May, Ghana and Nigeria summoned South African High Commissioners to express displeasure. Nigeria demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths of two citizens allegedly killed by security operatives. The most prominent diplomatic response has been the repatriation of citizens: Nigeria has evacuated over 400 Nigerians, while Ghana repatriated more than 1,000 citizens.
South African president addresses crisis
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a televised address emphasizing the state’s intolerance toward groups inciting tension and “taking laws into their own hands.” He acknowledged concerns over illegal migration but insisted that “only authorised government officials can act against violations of our law.” However, observers argue that the government is not doing enough and may be encouraging the violence through its rhetoric.
Oshodi reiterates call for unity
Oshodi declared that xenophobic attacks must be investigated, stating, “South Africa has every right to enforce its immigration laws. But that responsibility belongs to the state, through lawful institutions, not to mobs, vigilante groups, or political movements targeting foreign nationals. No African should be attacked, threatened, denied healthcare, pushed out of business, or humiliated because of where they come from.” He reiterated the need for African unity and protection of African lives as the continent’s most urgent goal.
