Members of civil society groups and human rights organisations take part in a march calling for stronger government action against illegal immigration in Pretoria, South Africa, April 28, 2026.Image@ REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee
Nigeria has activated a repatriation scheme for its citizens in South Africa as anti-foreigner demonstrations sweep through major South African cities, with more than 130 nationals already registering to return home.
Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed on Sunday that those applicants were the first to sign up for the newly launched evacuation programme, adding that Abuja was monitoring the situation closely amid fears that tensions could spiral further. Nigeria had already summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner in Abuja over the matter, and its diplomatic missions in the country were coordinating with local authorities to minimise risks to Nigerian nationals, she said.
The protests, which swept through Pretoria and Johannesburg last week, saw demonstrators demanding stricter enforcement against illegal immigration, arguing that undocumented foreign nationals were straining jobs, public services and national security. Further rallies are scheduled for May 4 and May 8, raising concerns that hostilities could intensify before the unrest subsides.
Members of civil society groups and human rights organisations hold placards as they take part in a march calling for stronger government action against illegal immigration in Pretoria, South Africa, April 28, 2026. Image@REUTERS/Ihsaan Haffejee
The demonstrations are the latest flashpoint in South Africa’s long-running tensions over migration. Campaigners for migrant rights argue that foreigners have repeatedly been made scapegoats for the country’s deep-seated economic challenges, including high unemployment and overstretched public infrastructure.
South Africa pledged last month to prosecute anyone behind xenophobic attacks after Ghana and other African nations reported that their citizens had been subjected to violence and discrimination. It remains unclear, however, whether those assurances have translated into meaningful protection on the ground.
Nigeria said it would continue to watch developments closely and stands ready to accelerate repatriation efforts should the security situation deteriorate further.
By: Andrews Kwesi Yeboah