Nigeria has warned South Africa that it may take stronger diplomatic action if persistent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians continue, following the recent killing of two citizens. The Federal Government described the attacks as unacceptable and demanded justice.
The victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, were reportedly killed on June 28 in separate incidents in Pretoria and Mpumalanga.
Government officials also referenced the unresolved killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Ekpenyong, in April, saying no arrests have been made.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused some members of the Tshwane Metro Police of possible complicity in the attacks and criticised a South African government spokesperson for comments it described as inflammatory and capable of inciting hatred against Nigerians.
Nigeria also condemned anti-immigrant groups, including Operation Dudula and March on March, accusing them of promoting violence against foreign nationals. It insisted that immigration enforcement must not justify attacks on law-abiding migrants.
The government confirmed that 271 stranded Nigerians will be evacuated from South Africa on Tuesday, bringing the total number evacuated since June to 1,130. Previous evacuation flights have already returned 859 Nigerians.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated that reciprocal diplomatic measures remain under consideration if engagement with South African authorities fails to stop the attacks. However, the government urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid reprisals.
Meanwhile, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene condemned the attacks, warning that xenophobia threatens Africa’s economic integration agenda. He described the violence as inconsistent with Pan-African ideals and called for those responsible to be prosecuted.
