Bianca Ojukwu: Anti-migrant vigilantes have destroyed Mandela’s sacrifice

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has condemned the continued xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, saying anti-migrant vigilante groups have undermined the sacrifices of former South African President Nelson Mandela. Speaking on the worsening attacks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed concern over the treatment of Nigerians living in South Africa, noting the […]

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has condemned the continued xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, saying anti-migrant vigilante groups have undermined the sacrifices of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

Speaking on the worsening attacks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed concern over the treatment of Nigerians living in South Africa, noting the contrast with the freedom enjoyed by South African businesses operating in Nigeria.

She said more than 120 South African companies currently operate in Nigeria without facing discrimination or harassment.

“Nobody is asking South African staff working there whether they are South Africans or Nigerians, and nobody is taking over their shops or businesses,” she said.

“But this is happening to Nigerians in South Africa. So, I think that at some point, we really have to review the options available to us.”

The minister listed major South African brands with a significant presence in Nigeria, including MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic IBTC and Protea Hotels, stressing that these companies continue to operate freely across multiple sectors.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the xenophobic attacks were inflicting serious reputational damage on South Africa, describing the situation as particularly painful given Mandela’s lifelong struggle for justice, equality and African solidarity.

“In one fell swoop, anti-migrant vigilante groups have destroyed what this man sacrificed 28 years in prison for,” she said.

She added that the violence had tarnished South Africa’s image as a champion of Pan-Africanism and unity.

“South Africa has been stained with the stigma of being a xenophobic country. This is not something I think they will be comfortable with in the long run,” she stated.

According to the minister, the crisis has already triggered consequences within South Africa, with concerts being cancelled and conferences called off over security concerns and growing international criticism.

She also faulted the South African government for what she described as its failure to adequately protect African migrants, warning that the attacks have strained diplomatic relations and damaged the country’s global standing.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that several African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, were also evacuating their citizens from South Africa.

The minister further revealed that South African authorities had rejected a memorandum of understanding signed with Nigeria in October 2025 on an early warning mechanism designed to prevent conflicts and protect citizens of both countries.

“The pact was essentially to protect the lives and property of both Nigerians and South Africans in times of conflict like this. Instead, they pushed back, claiming those who signed for them were not the requisite signatories to make it valid,” she said.

She added that additional diplomatic processes and formalities were still required to ensure stronger bilateral cooperation in addressing future crises.