The recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa recently led to loss of lives and properties of Nigerians and other Africans living in the country. The violent anti-migrant protests and attacks, which erupted in South Africa on April 27, targeted foreign nationals, particularly those in Pretoria and Johannesburg. The protesting groups, under the aegis of “Dudula” and “March and March,” demanded that foreign nationals, especially those from other African countries, should leave their country. They also blamed immigrants, including Nigerians, for the rising crime rate and high unemployment among black South Africans. They also demanded the removal of documented and undocumented migrants. The violent protesters forcefully closed down foreigners’ shops. They also looted many shops, vandalised vehicles and properties, maimed foreign nationals and, in some cases, killed some of them.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned renewed incidents of xenophobic violence and attacks against foreign nationals, and has called on South Africans to cease taking the laws into their own hands. During the 2026 Freedom Day celebrations in Bloemfontein on April 27, he said “legitimate concerns about illegal migration” must not be allowed to invite hatred, prejudice, or violence against fellow Africans. He emphasised that no foreign national should be unlawfully barred from accessing public facilities, warning that vigilantes should refrain from immigration enforcement.
Despite the South African president’s warnings, the protesters have continued with their violent attacks and harassment of foreigners and forcefully shutting down their businesses. The government of Botswana, which shares borders with South Africa, has cut power supply for South Africa over the treatment of its citizens. Tanzania has also shut its border with South Africa over the mistreatment of its citizens and has cut off exports to South Africa. Other African governments have condemned the xenophobic attacks on migrants.
We bemoan and condemn the recurring xenophobic attacks of Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. What is happening in South Africa is reprehensible and unacceptable. It is against the spirit of African unity and brotherhood. It is also against the vision of African Free Trade agreement for the movement of goods and services within African countries. There are many South Africans in Nigeria and other African countries and nobody is molesting them. The unwarranted barbaric attacks should not be allowed to be the norm in South Africa. It speaks ill of Africa and indeed black people. It must not be tolerated.
The world has become a global village and people are at liberty to live legally in any country of their choice. South African protesters must learn to live in peace and harmony with fellow Africans and report criminals among them to the authorities rather than taking the laws into their own hands. Unemployment is a big reality in many countries, and foreign nationals should not be blamed for it.
The federal government has condemned the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and the deaths of some Nigerians, including Nnaemeka Matthew, Andrew Ekpenyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro, following alleged assaults by security personnel. It called for thorough and impartial investigations into both deaths. It charged the South African government to ensure that the victims of the brutal murders get justice. The federal government also tasked the South African government to ensure the protection of Nigerians living in the country.
Despite the meeting between Nigerian government and the South African officials on the way forward, we urge the government to evacuate Nigerians who have signaled their willingness to leave South Africa. So far, 130 Nigerians have shown interest to leave the country. The South African government should rein in the perpetrators of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. We loathe the growing profiling of Nigerians in South Africa as criminals, despite having many credible Nigerians in the country doing legitimate business and adding value to the economy.
The federal government should liaise with other African nations and the African Union (AU) to find a lasting solution to the recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The continuation of these barbaric attacks on Africans in South Africa may elicit reprisal attacks on the people of South Africa in other African countries. To urgently avert such attacks, President Ramaphosa must expedite action to stem the growing xenophobic attacks on foreigners in his country. The crisis is escalating because the South African authorities have not exhibited enough political will and readiness to end it. The primary duty of any government is to ensure the welfare and security of people in its domain. This includes foreigners living in the country. South Africa owes this duty to Nigerians and other Africans living in the country. This is the time to stop the xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Enough is enough!
