NAUS Issues Ultimatum to South Africa Over Xenophobic Violence
The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has threatened to shut down South African businesses in Nigeria if the South African government fails to halt rising xenophobic violence within seven days. The newly elected NAUS President, Meshach Nwankwo, issued this warning during a press briefing captured in a viral video.
Addressing journalists, Nwankwo expressed deep concern over the safety of Nigerian citizens and other black nationals currently facing a wave of anti-foreigner campaigns and violence in South Africa. 'NAUS unequivocally condemns every act of xenophobia, hate speech, and violence directed against Nigerians, and indeed against any African living lawfully within another African nation,' Nwankwo stated.
Call for Unity and Mutual Respect
Nwankwo emphasized that continental progress relies heavily on unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, adding that there is no place for hatred among Africans. The student leadership called on the South African government to launch immediate investigations into all reported cases of attacks, incitement, and intimidation. Nwankwo insisted that every individual found culpable must be prosecuted and held accountable without fear or favour.
NAUS to Engage South African High Commission
To advance these demands, NAUS announced plans to engage directly with the South African High Commission in Nigeria. The association aims to secure official assurances regarding the protection and safety of Nigerian residents living in South Africa. The association has given the South African authorities a one-week ultimatum to implement lasting measures to curb the hostility.
Warning: Shutdown of South African Businesses
If the government fails to act within this timeframe, Nwankwo warned that NAUS will mobilize peaceful and lawful advocacy campaigns across Nigeria to enforce their demands and target local South African business interests. 'We would also begin lawful action to ensure that South African-based businesses in Nigeria are shut down and our headquarters will be relocated to the South African High Commission in Nigeria till the South African government takes definitive, comprehensive, lasting measures against this cancer that is threatening the life and future of Nigerians in South Africa,' Nwankwo stated.
The ultimatum comes amid renewed tensions over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have targeted Nigerian nationals and other African immigrants. NAUS's threat echoes similar actions taken by Nigerian authorities in the past, including the temporary shutdown of South African telecom giant MTN's operations in Nigeria during previous diplomatic spats.
