The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to South Africa regarding the renewed harassment, humiliation, and extrajudicial killings of Nigerian citizens.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu addressed the situation on Thursday, May 8, following a telephone conversation with her South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola. The dialogue focused on recent anti-migrant protests and a growing atmosphere of anti-foreigner sentiment, particularly highlighted by a large demonstration in Durban on May 6.
Minister Ojukwu emphasized that the Nigerian government’s immediate priority is the safe evacuation of any citizens who wish to return home. She made it clear that Nigeria would not remain silent in the face of systematic harassment and has formally urged South African authorities to ensure that those responsible for extrajudicial killings are held accountable under the law.
“I maintained that our Government cannot stand by and watch the systematic harrasment and humiliation of our nationals resident in SA as well as the extra-judicial killings of our people, and that the evacuation of our citizens who want to return home remains our Government’s priority at this time,” she wrote.
Ojukwu noted that although the Durban protest did not turn violent due to heavy security presence, Nigerians were advised by the Nigerian mission to close their shops and remain indoors for safety reasons.
She also condemned the “violent and indiscriminate rhetoric” of anti-foreigner political groups in South Africa, warning that such actions could endanger both Nigerian citizens in South Africa and South African interests in Nigeria.
“Yesterday’s protests in Durban did not record acts of violence as there was heavy security presence. However Nigerians were advised to close their shops and businesses and stay largely indoors by Mission,” Ojukwu added.
“Our discussions also centered on the violent and indiscriminate rhetoric and actions of South Africa’s anti-foreigner political parties which puts the lives and properties of Nigerian and other Nationals at risk, but which conversely might also have the effect jeopardizing the safety of South African interests in Nigeria. Nigerians have exercised, and continue to demonstrate commendable restraint, in their response to the ongoing crisis.”
During the discussions, Ojukwu questioned whether the term Afriphobia might be a more accurate description than xenophobia, noting that black African foreigners appear to be the specific targets of the hostility.
In response to the escalating situation, President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigerian missions in South Africa to immediately establish a crisis notification unit for distressed citizens and advised Nigerians facing threats to contact South African security authorities.
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