Nigeria Calls for Action Against Xenophobia in South Africa

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, said Nigeria will not accept xenophobic violence against its citizens.

In a statement on Monday, he described the violent attacks on black foreigners during the recent anti-immigration protests in South Africa as disturbing and unacceptable.

"Africa cannot speak of unity while Africans remain unsafe in Africa."

"The warning is simple: Nigeria expects action. Investigate every reported attack, protect Nigerian communities, restrain vigilante groups, prosecute wrongdoing, and activate the Nigeria, South Africa Early Warning Mechanism without further delay," he said.

The anti-foreigner campaign in South Africa started in April. Videos of locals attacking African foreigners spread online. A deadline of June 30 set by the attackers for foreigners to leave South Africa increased the tension. On Tuesday, thousands of South Africans marched in cities to protest the presence of African migrants.

In Pietermaritzburg, protesters wore traditional clothes and marched through the city center, chanting “Abahambe!” which means “They must go!” in Zulu, the most spoken language in the country.

This phrase has become the movement’s rallying cry. At least two Nigerians, five Mozambicans, and five Ethiopians have died due to xenophobic violence in South Africa. The situation has led to serious tension between South Africa and several African nations.

In April and May, Ghana and Nigeria called in South Africa's High Commissioners to show their anger over the violence against Africans in South Africa. Nigeria demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths of two citizens allegedly killed by security forces.

The most notable diplomatic response has been repatriating citizens from South Africa. This led to a televised address from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. He stressed the government's intolerance towards groups causing unrest and “taking laws into their own hands.”

Some observers believe the South African government is not doing enough to stop the violence against immigrants and may even be encouraging it with their statements. He said while people have valid concerns about illegal migration, "only authorized government officials can act against violations of our law."

In the past month, Nigeria has evacuated over 400 citizens from South Africa. Ghana has brought back more than 1000 of its citizens as well.

Mr Oshodi called for investigations into the xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.

"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 said.

He also emphasized the need for unity among African countries. He identified protecting “African lives” as the continent’s most urgent goal.

He added that it is also crucial to maintain “democracy that delivers, stronger security cooperation, lawful movement across our continent, and African solutions financed by Africans.”