Nigeria’s government summoned South Africa’s chief diplomatic representative on Monday to express concerns over “xenophobic” protests targeting immigrants, following similar actions by Ghana and Mozambique.
Recently, a series of protests took place in South Africa against mass immigration and illegal residency. These rallies attracted a large crowd, predominantly black South Africans, leading to heated confrontations with immigrants and clashes with law enforcement.
The protests were organized by groups such as March to March, led by the vocal radio figure Jacinda Ngobese-Zuma, and the so-called vigilante group Operation Dudula. These groups have been especially vocal against Nigerian immigrants, often portraying them as lazy and prone to crime.
In a troubling incident, anti-immigrant vigilantes targeted a Ghanaian man at a recent protest, demanding he show his papers and telling him he should return to his home country.
Last week, Ghana’s government also summoned the South African ambassador to voice concerns about the “intimidation and harassment” faced by its nationals. Ghanaian officials reached out to the man from the viral incident, reiterating that he is a lawful immigrant in South Africa and urging all its citizens there to abide by the law.
Subsequently, Nigeria took similar steps, lodging a complaint over the treatment of its citizens. Officials expressed dissatisfaction with the assurances from South African police that they would not tolerate xenophobia or violence.
Nigeria is pushing for a comprehensive investigation into incidents involving violence against its citizens in South Africa, including demanding the release of case files and reports related to attacks on Nigerians. There have been at least two reported fatalities linked to anti-immigrant riots, with claims from both Nigerian and Ghanaian communities about the looting of their businesses.
Both Nigeria and Ghana expressed dissatisfaction with the South African government’s responses to the unrest. President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the violence against migrants but emphasized the necessity of proper documentation for immigrants.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs filed specific grievances against March to March and Operation Dudula, urging South African law enforcement to monitor these groups closely. Additionally, they acknowledged the violent protests by Nigerians in South Africa while cautioning against vigilante actions.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Blanka Odumegwu Ojukwu, stated that evacuation flights are arranged for at least 130 Nigerians looking to leave South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions.
Odumegwu Ojukwu remarked, “This number is expected to increase further. Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa must not continue to be at risk.”
She added that disturbing images from various media outlets depicting violence and xenophobic rhetoric in protests have sparked international outrage.
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo confirmed on Monday that he would meet with President Ramaphosa to address the “xenophobic hostility” faced by Mozambican nationals in South Africa.
Additionally, a Mozambican youth group has begun blocking South African trucks at the border as retaliation against the anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa.
