Manny Ita –
The Nigerian government has raised fresh concerns over a resurgence of xenophobic attacks targeting its citizens in South Africa, outlining four key demands aimed at protecting Nigerians and restoring confidence among foreign communities.
The warning was delivered by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), who described the situation as deteriorating despite earlier diplomatic engagements between both countries.
According to the commission, Nigerians and other African migrants have faced weeks of harassment, looting, and targeted violence in parts of South Africa. Recent incidents reportedly include attacks on businesses and even schoolchildren of Nigerian descent, with at least two Nigerian nationals confirmed killed.
In response, NIDCOM outlined four urgent demands to the South African authorities. First, it called for the immediate reinforcement of security in affected areas, urging increased police presence and sustained patrols to prevent further violence. Second, it demanded swift arrests and prosecution of those responsible for attacks, emphasizing the need to end impunity.
The third demand focused on structured bilateral engagement, with Nigeria proposing a coordinated safety and dialogue framework involving officials, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders from both countries. Finally, the commission urged South African authorities to publicly condemn xenophobia and discourage the stereotyping of Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that criminal behavior should not be used to generalize an entire nationality, noting that “crime has no nationality.” She also advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas, particularly at night.
Xenophobic violence in South Africa has been a recurring issue over the years. Major outbreaks in 2015, 2017, and 2019 resulted in deaths, displacement, and diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa. The latest wave of attacks threatens to further strain relations between the two countries, which share strong historical and economic ties.
As tensions rise, Nigeria’s demands signal a push for more decisive action from South African authorities to protect foreign nationals and prevent another full-scale diplomatic fallout.
