Nigeria, South Africa In Diplomatic Row Over Planned Evacuation Amid Xenophobic Tensions

The governments of Nigeria and South Africa are facing renewed diplomatic tension following Nigeria’s plan to evacuate citizens willing to leave South Africa over rising xenophobic threats and anti-foreigner protests.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed on Thursday that South Africa had expressed concern over the proposed evacuation during a telephone conversation with her South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola.
According to the Nigerian minister, the discussion followed fresh anti-migrant protests in Durban on May 6, which reignited fears among foreign nationals residing in the country.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria could not ignore reports of intimidation, harassment and alleged killings involving Nigerians living in South Africa.
“Our government cannot stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation of our nationals,” she said, adding that arrangements were being considered for Nigerians who wished to voluntarily return home.
She also urged South African authorities to strengthen accountability within their policing and justice systems, insisting that attacks against Nigerians must attract swift legal consequences.
Although the latest demonstrations reportedly did not degenerate into widespread violence due to heavy security deployment, Nigerian residents were advised by diplomatic officials to temporarily shut their businesses and remain indoors for safety reasons.
The minister further condemned what she described as inflammatory rhetoric by anti-foreigner political groups in South Africa, warning that such actions could endanger both Nigerian citizens and South African interests abroad.
A major concern raised during the bilateral discussion involved allegations that Nigerian children and children of mixed Nigerian-South African heritage were being bullied in schools and told to “return to their country.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the incidents as traumatic and unacceptable, particularly for young children exposed to ethnic hostility.
In response, Lamola reportedly assured Nigeria that South African authorities were engaging educational institutions and local agencies to discourage discrimination and protect affected students.
Despite growing tensions, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and diplomatic cooperation aimed at preventing escalation.
The latest development has revived longstanding debates about xenophobia in South Africa, where migrants from several African countries have periodically faced violence, looting and anti-immigrant hostility over the years.
Nigerian lawmakers are also expected to establish a joint parliamentary committee to engage South African legislators in efforts to ease tensions and improve protections for foreign nationals.

This is another opportunity to own a faster-loading website to expand your business and take it digitally online. Meet the best website designer/master coder for any kind of website. Contact them now it is affordable Chat now: 09077260922