Nigeria has called in South Africa’s senior diplomatic representative in Abuja following a series of attacks targeting foreign nationals, according to an official statement released on Saturday.
South Africa has historically attracted both documented and undocumented workers from across the continent. However, with unemployment exceeding 30 percent, the country has experienced recurring waves of anti-migrant sentiment, including a fresh surge of violence in recent weeks.
Officials confirmed that South Africa’s acting high commissioner in Abuja will meet Nigerian authorities on Monday. The discussions will centre on “documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses,” foreign ministry spokesman Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said.
Nigeria Raises Concerns Over Safety Of Citizens And Businesses Abroad
The diplomatic move follows growing unease in Nigeria over the safety of its nationals living in South Africa. Authorities are seeking clarity and assurances after reports of targeted attacks against Nigerian-owned enterprises.
The development comes shortly after Ghana also took similar action. Accra summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner over what it described as multiple “xenophobic incidents” involving Ghanaian citizens.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa cited a case in KwaZulu-Natal province where a Ghanaian resident “was confronted… (and) instructed to leave South Africa and ‘fix his country’”.
Rising Xenophobic Tensions In South Africa Spark Regional Alarm
In its statement, Ghana’s foreign ministry warned of “escalating tensions, with foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, being advised to remain indoors for their safety”.
According to official statistics, more than three million foreign nationals reside in South Africa, accounting for about 5.1 percent of the population. A significant majority — over 63 percent — originate from countries within the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC).
South African authorities have publicly condemned the violence. Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia described attacks on foreign nationals as “unlawful” and contrary to the country’s constitutional principles.
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“Acts of xenophobia, violence, looting, or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said.
He added that police have “been instructed to act decisively and without hesitation in addressing these incidents”.
