The Nigerian government has begun making arrangements to voluntarily repatriate its citizens living in South Africa, following growing concerns that xenophobic violence in the country could escalate further.
This update was shared by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a situation report posted on X on Sunday, May 3. She noted that the government is closely monitoring developments and has already started coordinating with Nigerians willing to return home.
According to her, about 130 Nigerians have registered with the Nigerian mission in South Africa for the evacuation exercise so far, though that number is expected to increase. She also revealed that another wave of demonstrations is scheduled to take place between May 4 and May 8, 2026.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over the situation and has directed that it be monitored closely to ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Nigeria Summons South African Envoy
In response to the attacks, Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to formally express its concerns.
A statement released on May 2 by the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that a meeting would be held to address the growing incidents. The discussions are expected to focus on ongoing protests in South Africa and documented cases of harassment, violence, and destruction of businesses owned by Nigerians.
The Nigerian government warned that these developments could strain diplomatic relations between both countries if not urgently addressed.
Deaths of Two Nigerians Spark Outrage
Tragically, at least two Nigerian nationals have reportedly lost their lives amid the recent unrest.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Olaniyi Abodedele, confirmed the deaths, identifying the victims as Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramuiro and Ekpenyong Andrew.
According to reports, Andrew died on April 19 in Pretoria West after being arrested under unclear circumstances. It is alleged that he was beaten in custody and later dumped at a hospital.
In a separate incident, Amaramuiro was reportedly arrested during a joint police and military raid on April 20. He was allegedly assaulted, detained, and later released on bail, but died shortly afterwards.
As of now, South African security authorities have not issued an official response to these allegations.
Calls for Protection of Foreign Nationals
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged the South African government to take immediate and visible steps to protect all foreign nationals within its borders.
The commission emphasized that such protection is not only a moral obligation but also a requirement under international law and African Union protocols.
Nigeria also cautioned against profiling its citizens, stressing that crime should not be associated with nationality. Authorities insisted that anyone found guilty of criminal activity should be prosecuted according to South African law, without generalizing entire communities.
Wider African Concern as Tensions Spread
The crisis has not only affected Nigerians. Citizens from other African countries, including Ghana and Ethiopia, have also raised concerns about their safety.
The Ghanaian government had earlier announced plans to evacuate some of its nationals after incidents of harassment. It also summoned South Africa’s top envoy over reports of intimidation and attacks on its citizens.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the xenophobic violence but also urged foreign nationals to respect local laws.
Why the Protests?
The recent wave of anti-immigrant protests has reignited debate across Africa about xenophobia and economic pressure in South Africa.
Many protesters argue that illegal immigration is contributing to unemployment and straining already limited resources. Some claim the demonstrations are meant to push the government to prioritize citizens over undocumented migrants.
Others have expressed strong sentiments, saying foreigners who feel unwelcome should consider leaving the country, highlighting the depth of frustration among some South Africans.
As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains delicate. With evacuation plans underway and diplomatic talks ongoing, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether calm can be restored—or if the crisis will deepen further.
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