Nigeria has expressed dissatisfaction with South Africa’s response to rising anti-immigrant tensions, warning that more decisive action is needed to protect foreign nationals from threats and harassment.
In a statement from Abuja, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is in talks with authorities in South Africa over concerns about recurring incidents targeting migrants, including Nigerians. The ministry stressed that while public condemnations of violence are important, they must be matched with concrete measures on the ground.
Spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa said Nigeria expects stronger intervention from Pretoria to address the situation and prevent further escalation.
“We’ve seen cases whereby Nigerians have been threatened,” foreign ministry spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa told reporters after the meeting.
The South African government has denounced the attacks, though Ebienfa said that “if those that are carrying out the attacks are not punished, are not questioned, are not stopped, indirectly you’re allowing them to do whatever they are doing.”
So far, some 130 Nigerians have indicated they want to return home, Ebienfa said, in a group that includes both legal residents of South Africa who “felt the country is not safe for them” as well as undocumented immigrants.
“This figure is expected to rise,” Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said in a statement Sunday, adding that “Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk.”
The concerns follow reports of intimidation, harassment, and sporadic violence linked to anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of South Africa, which have raised fears among foreign communities.
Nigeria’s government said it is closely monitoring developments and maintaining diplomatic engagement with South African officials to ensure the safety of its citizens. It also reiterated its call for accountability in cases involving attacks on Nigerians.
Authorities in South Africa have previously condemned xenophobic violence and pledged to uphold the rights and security of all residents, but Nigeria insists that stronger enforcement and preventive measures are urgently needed.
South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said he and Odumegwu-Ojukwu agreed in talks on Monday to deepen cooperation.
“We reflected on the challenges posed by irregular migration and committed to working to address the root causes, find common and sustainable solutions to this shared concern,” he said in a statement.
The Nigerian foreign minister alleged that a “repetitive wave” of a “xenophobic pattern” flares up “especially prior to elections in South Africa, and anti-foreigner opposition parties leverage this situation to garner votes”.
South Africa holds municipal elections on November 4.
The country’s acting police minister last week condemned anti-immigrant violence, saying attacks on foreign nationals were “unlawful” and violated the constitutional values of dignity and equality.
“Acts of xenophobia, violence, looting or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Firoz Cachalia said.
The latest development adds strain to relations between Africa’s two largest economies, even as both countries continue to cooperate on regional security and economic initiatives.
According to the statistics agency, some three million foreigners, or 5.1 percent of the population, live in the country.
More than 63 percent come from countries in the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc.
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