In a decisive response to a rise in xenophobic violence and growing anti-foreigner sentiments, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has ordered the creation of a crisis notification unit within Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa. The initiative aims to protect Nigerian nationals who have become increasingly vulnerable in various provinces.
The announcement was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu yesterday, following high-level talks with her South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola.
The newly established unit is intended to serve as an immediate support system for citizens facing threats. The Nigerian government has advised its nationals in high-risk areas, such as Durban, to temporarily close their businesses and stay indoors for their safety.
Previously, Nigeria summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, to demand accountability for the deaths of Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro, who were reportedly assaulted by South African security forces.
The diplomatic tensions between Abuja and Pretoria have escalated, with Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu asserting Nigeria’s responsibility to safeguard its citizens. While discussing evacuation plans with Minister Lamola, she acknowledged South African concerns but stressed that the Nigerian government would not remain idle.
”I maintained that our government cannot stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation of our nationals resident in South Africa as well as the extra-judicial killings of our people, and that the evacuation of our citizens who want to return home remains our government’s priority at this time,” she stated.
Nigeria is seeking more than mere physical protection, the Foreign Ministry is advocating for a comprehensive review of how crimes against Nigerians are prosecuted. Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the need for South African law enforcement and judicial systems to take extrajudicial killings seriously.
”I also highlighted the need for their police and justice systems to take the cases on the ground of extra-judicial killings of Nigerians in South Africa more seriously and that there should be clear and immediate consequences for such acts,” she added.
In a notable shift in language regarding the current situation, Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu questioned whether “xenophobia” accurately describes the violence occurring. She pointed out that the hostility seems to be directed primarily at fellow Africans rather than all foreigners.
”What is worrisome to our citizens, both in Nigeria and those resident in South Africa, is that the demand that all foreigners leave South Africa appears to be targeted only towards black Africans, which makes one wonder whether what is happening should not be more accurately defined as ‘Afriphobia’ rather than xenophobia,” she remarked.
She cautioned that the “violent and indiscriminate rhetoric and actions” from anti-foreigner political groups like Operation Dudula could jeopardize the safety of South African interests in Nigeria.
A particularly troubling facet of the ongoing crisis involves the treatment of children. Reports indicate that Nigerian students and “Sougerians”, children of mixed Nigerian and South African descent, are experiencing bullying in schools, with peers telling them to “return to their country.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu described these incidents as “reprehensible” and capable of causing lasting trauma to young minds. While Minister Lamola acknowledged the need to protect children and pledged to collaborate with educational institutions, the Nigerian government remains concerned about the persistent hostility on the ground.
Nigeria is not isolated in its apprehensions. Neighboring countries have also issued advisories to their citizens residing in South Africa.
Ghana has officially urged the African Union to take action, highlighting a significant threat to regional cohesion.
In Abuja, the House of Representatives has denounced the assaults and suggested implementing economic measures. Legislators have proposed a temporary halt on business licenses for South African firms operating in Nigeria.
This initiative reflects an increasing sentiment that diplomatic tolerance is diminishing as South Africa faces its ongoing pattern of anti-immigrant violence, previously witnessed in 2008, 2015, and 2019.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong