The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the recent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, calling on the South African government to take immediate action to end the violence.
In a statement released on Thursday following its meeting in Awka, Anambra State, the NBA NEC adopted a resolution expressing grave concern over reports of harassment, violence, destruction of businesses, and threats to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
Violation of Human Rights
The council described xenophobic violence as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and inconsistent with the principles of human dignity, African unity, and mutual respect among nations. NEC stated that targeting individuals based on nationality is unacceptable and must not be tolerated in any society governed by the rule of law.
Call for Urgent Measures
The council called on the South African government to take urgent and concrete measures to end xenophobic attacks, ensure the protection of all persons within its jurisdiction, and hold perpetrators accountable. NEC also urged the Nigerian government to take proactive diplomatic and consular measures to safeguard the rights, safety, and welfare of Nigerians residing in South Africa.
“The council further resolved that a formal letter be transmitted to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to immediately take concrete diplomatic and humanitarian steps to ensure the safety, protection, and where necessary, the safe evacuation and return of Nigerians affected by the attacks,” the statement read.
Fundamental Responsibility
NEC emphasized that no Nigerian citizen living abroad should be abandoned in the face of violence, intimidation, or targeted attacks, and stressed that the protection of citizens remains a fundamental responsibility of every government. The council further emphasized that African nations must remain committed to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and the protection of all persons regardless of nationality.
