Xenophobic attacks: Protect Nigerians, FG urges South Africa gov’t

The Nigerian government has called on the South African government to protect Nigerians and black immigrants in South Africa, expressing  deep concern over the worsening persecution of black immigrants in parts of South Africa. This was contained in a statement on Wednesday signed by the Chairman/ CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike […]

The Nigerian government has called on the South African government to protect Nigerians and black immigrants in South Africa, expressing  deep concern over the worsening persecution of black immigrants in parts of South Africa.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday signed by the Chairman/ CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

“While many expected a de-escalation of tensions following earlier engagements between both governments, the situation on the ground is  deteriorating”, she noted.

Reports indicate that pupils of Nigerian descent are now scared to attend school, while genuine business owners are afraid to open their shops for fear of targeted attacks, looting, and harassment.

Community leaders have documented fresh incidents of violence and intimidation in the last 72 hours.

NIDCOM appealed to South Africa to take urgent and visible steps to protect all foreign nationals within its borders, as required under international law and African Union protocols on free movement and human rights.

“We state clearly that NiDCOM rejects the profiling and generalisation of all Nigerians. Crime has no nationality. Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law.

“However, collective punishment and blanket labelling of an entire nationality are unacceptable and dangerous,” it said.

NiDCOM, therefore, demands an increased police presence and patrols in flashpoint communities where Nigerians reside and trade.

It also called for “Prompt arrest and prosecution of persons involved in xenophobic attacks, arson, and extortion, a joint Nigeria-South Africa community safety forum with police, city officials, and diaspora leaders; and a clear public messaging from South African authorities that condemns xenophobia and warns against stereotyping.”

Meanwhile, the commission urged all Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding, avoid high-risk areas after dark, saying it is in direct contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg.