West Africa’s diplomatic pushback against South Africa over recurring xenophobic violence intensified this week, as Nigeria’s lawmakers voted to pursue sweeping economic and diplomatic measures against Pretoria — including the possible revocation of operating licences held by South African corporate giants.
The motion, adopted by Nigeria’s House of Representatives and presented by Donald Ojogo and Billy Osawaru, was triggered by a fresh wave of attacks on Nigerian nationals in South Africa, among them Ekpenyong Andrew and Amaramiro Emmanuel, who were reportedly killed in separate incidents linked to the unrest.
The House directed Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately engage South African authorities and demand concrete protection for its citizens, while also calling on the federal government to prepare evacuation plans — complete with financial and logistical support — for Nigerians willing to leave affected areas.
Tensions in the chamber ran high, with Senator Adams Oshiomhole delivering one of the session’s most combative addresses, urging authorities to revoke the operating licences of South African-owned firms such as MTN and DStv. “I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle,” he declared. He further warned: “We will not condone any life being lost… to kill our people as if we are helpless, we will not allow that.”
Beyond licence revocations, lawmakers proposed the possible suspension of diplomatic relations, trade, and aviation agreements with South Africa — measures that would represent a dramatic rupture between two of Africa’s most consequential economies.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, framed the attacks as a betrayal of the continent’s founding ideals. His remarks reflected a sentiment now shared across the region, with Nigeria having already summoned South Africa’s envoy over the incidents and Ghana taking similar diplomatic steps after allegations that its citizens were harassed and their businesses targeted.
The parallel responses from Abuja and Accra signal a coordinated regional pressure campaign, with officials from both capitals demanding accountability for perpetrators and firm guarantees against future attacks. Lawmakers have also called on the Pan-African Parliament to step up efforts to combat xenophobia and strengthen protections for migrants across the continent.
Critics have long argued that South Africa’s cycle of xenophobic violence — met repeatedly with limited prosecutions — is corroding trust among African nations and undermining the foundations of continental integration. The African Union’s flagship Agenda 2063 envisions a borderless, integrated Africa; recurring anti-migrant violence cuts directly against that ambition.
Pretoria, for its part, has reiterated its commitment to protecting foreign nationals, saying security agencies are actively investigating the latest attacks and that those found responsible will face justice. Whether those assurances will be enough to defuse mounting regional anger remains, for now, an open question.
By: Andrews Kwesi Yeboah