Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has strongly condemned the alleged harassment and humiliation of Nigerians living in South Africa amid renewed anti-foreigner protests and xenophobic tensions in parts of the country.
The minister stated that the Nigerian government “cannot stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation” of its citizens in South Africa, stressing that the protection and possible evacuation of affected Nigerians had become a priority for the Federal Government.
Ojukwu made the remarks after a telephone conversation with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, following recent anti-migrant demonstrations in cities including Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg.
According to the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister, the Federal Government is particularly worried about growing anti-foreigner rhetoric and the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa. She noted that although a recent protest in Durban did not turn violent because of heavy security deployment, Nigerians were advised by the Nigerian mission to remain indoors and temporarily shut their businesses for safety reasons.
“I maintained that our Government cannot stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation of our nationals resident in SA,” Ojukwu said, while also condemning alleged extra-judicial killings involving Nigerian citizens.
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Reports indicate that over 130 Nigerians in South Africa have already requested voluntary repatriation under a newly introduced government-assisted return arrangement by Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has also reportedly demanded full investigations into the deaths of two Nigerians allegedly linked to South African security operatives, including the release of autopsy reports and relevant legal documents for the families involved.
Ojukwu further expressed concern over reports that Nigerian children and children of mixed Nigerian-South African heritage, sometimes referred to as “Sougerians,” were being bullied in schools and told to “return to their country.” She described the development as traumatic and unacceptable.
South African authorities, however, have publicly condemned xenophobic violence and pledged to take action against attacks targeting foreign nationals. Lamola reportedly assured Nigeria that relevant institutions in South Africa were taking steps to discourage such behaviour and maintain public safety.
The latest tensions come amid recurring waves of anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, where foreign nationals are often blamed for unemployment, insecurity and pressure on public services. Human rights groups have repeatedly warned against the scapegoating of migrants during economic hardship.
