Johannesburg, South Africa — In response to the intensifying wave of xenophobic violence against Nigerians in South Africa, the Nigerian government has embarked on a voluntary repatriation program. With approximately 130 Nigerians having already enrolled for the evacuation flights, the number is expected to rise.
The surge in anti — immigrant sentiment has seen violence predominantly targeting foreign nationals, especially those from neighboring African countries. This has heightened concerns over the treatment of immigrants in South Africa and has strained diplomatic ties between the nation and other African nations. Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed the government’s “profound concern “over the incidents, including the killing of two Nigerian nationals in separate incidents involving local security personnel. “.
Continued attacks on Nigerians in South Africa risk putting their lives and businesses at risk, “Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated, underscoring the government’s dedication to securing the safety of its citizens.
In response, Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner to demand a transparent investigation into the deaths of the two Nigerian nationals.
The Nigerian government is also seeking full cooperation from South African authorities to provide autopsy reports and legal processes for the families of the deceased. South African officials have condemned the violence and vowed to clamp down on xenophobic acts. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola engaged in discussions with his Nigerian counterpart to address the challenges posed by irregular migration and to find solutions.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has expressed grave concern over the recent reports of xenophobic violence and acts of intimidation against nationals of other African countries in South Africa.
The Commission has highlighted the alarming incidents, including the 1998 killing of three foreign nationals in Johannesburg and the 2008 nationwide attacks resulting in over 60 deaths and 100,000 displacements.
The Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria has offered repatriation flights for Nigerians wishing to leave South Africa due to the ongoing tensions. Local residents in South Africa have attributed economic challenges and high unemployment to the presence of immigrants, leading to tensions and violence.
As the situation evolves, the Nigerian government’s repatriation initiative is viewed as a measure to safeguard its citizens and seek closure for the lives lost.
The ongoing challenge is to find a sustainable solution to the root causes of xenophobia, ensuring the safety and dignity of all immigrants in South Africa.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Chinedu Okafor
