Welcome

Tag: anti-foreigner protests

  • Nigeria Considers Retaliatory Measures Over Anti-Nigerian Violence in South Africa

    The Federal Government has indicated that Nigeria may consider retaliatory measures against South Africa following renewed incidents of violence targeting Nigerians living in the country.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saying the option remains under consideration as concerns grow over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.

    Evacuation Process Delayed

    According to the minister, plans to begin evacuating willing Nigerians from South Africa on Monday were delayed due to ongoing verification and screening exercises being conducted jointly with South African authorities.

    She explained that the documentation process, which reportedly involved more than 1,000 Nigerians, began last Thursday and was expected to conclude before evacuation arrangements could be finalised.

    The government said preparations were still ongoing for citizens who had indicated their desire to return home.

    Nigeria Not Happy, Says Minister

    Speaking on the possibility of restricting certain privileges currently enjoyed by South Africans in Nigeria, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the matter could be considered at the highest levels of government.

    “Well, that is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government,” she said.

    She added that the option was “not off the table.”

    References to Nigeria’s Support During Apartheid

    The minister noted that many Nigerians remain unhappy about what they see as a pattern of hostility despite Nigeria’s historic role in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.

    According to her, Nigeria committed significant resources, financial support and educational opportunities to South Africans during the fight against apartheid.

    She recalled that many Nigerians participated in protests and advocacy campaigns in solidarity with South Africa during that period.

    Concerns Over Targeting of Black Migrants

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu also alleged that black migrants were being disproportionately targeted.

    “Nigeria is a serious frontline state, and Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated. They are not asking other migrants to leave; they’re only asking black migrants to leave,” she said.

    The development comes amid growing calls for stronger diplomatic engagement between both countries as concerns persist over the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa.

  • Looting Erupts in South African Town as Foreign-Owned Shops Targeted After Deportation Dispute

    Several shops owned by foreign nationals were looted in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on Friday following rising tensions over a controversial ultimatum issued to undocumented foreign business owners.

    The incident occurred just days after a deadline given by local authorities for certain foreign traders to leave the town expired.

    Six Foreign-Owned Shops Looted

    KwaZulu-Natal Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed that six foreign-owned shops were targeted during the unrest.

    According to him, no injuries were reported and law enforcement officers quickly moved to restore calm in the area.

    “Six shops owned by foreign nationals were looted and calm has been restored in the area,” Netshiunda said.

    He added that police are currently assessing the situation while investigations continue.

    Tensions Linked to Court Challenge

    Authorities believe the unrest may be connected to a legal dispute involving Estcourt Mayor Mduduzi Myeza.

    The mayor had reportedly issued a 21-day deadline directing undocumented foreign business owners to leave the town.

    The deadline expired on May 27, prompting affected traders to challenge the directive in court on May 26.

    Police said some residents may have reacted to the legal action taken by the foreign nationals against the mayor’s decision.

    Authorities Seek Lasting Solution

    Netshiunda disclosed that a meeting involving the mayor’s office, police officials and property owners was scheduled for Friday afternoon.

    The gathering is expected to address growing tensions between local residents, foreign nationals and government authorities.

    Officials hope the discussions will help prevent further violence and promote peaceful coexistence within the community.

    Fresh Concerns Over Xenophobic Attacks

    The incident has renewed concerns about recurring anti-foreigner sentiment in parts of South Africa, where foreign-owned businesses have frequently been targeted during periods of social and economic tension.

    While no casualties were reported in the latest unrest, the attack has once again highlighted the fragile relationship between local communities and migrant business owners in some areas of the country.

  • Anti-Nigerian Protest Erupts in Ghana as Tensions Rise Over Jobs, Crime Claims

    A group of Ghanaians under the Concerned Youth Alliance staged a protest in Accra on April 25, 2026, accusing foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, of contributing to insecurity and unemployment in the country.

    The demonstration took place at Obra Spot, where protesters claimed that foreigners were taking jobs meant for Ghanaian citizens.

    Strong Allegations Spark Concern

    During the protest, one female speaker made sweeping allegations against Nigerians, describing them as fraudsters, ritual killers, and organ harvesters.

    “Our women should wise up. Nigerians are using you to destroy Ghana,” she said, urging Ghanaian women to seek alternative means of livelihood.

    Rising Xenophobic Tensions

    The protest adds to growing tensions between citizens and Nigerian residents in Ghana. In July 2025, a similar demonstration saw protesters accuse Nigerians of involvement in prostitution and ritual activities.

    Placards displayed during that protest carried messages such as “Nigeria must go” and “Our children are going missing,” reflecting deepening fears among some locals.

    Diplomatic Efforts to Ease Situation

    Amid the backlash, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, visited Ghana to assess the situation and calm tensions.

    She said the viral reports had created anxiety but noted that there were no widespread signs of unrest or coordinated calls for deportation at the time of her visit.

    The minister added that authorities in both countries were engaging to address the situation and maintain peaceful relations.

    Growing Regional Concerns

    The latest protest underscores ongoing concerns about xenophobia and migration tensions within West Africa, as economic pressures continue to strain relations between host communities and foreign nationals.

  • NiDCOM Issues Fresh Warning as Anti-Foreigner Protests Escalate in South Africa

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has warned Nigerians living in South Africa to exercise caution following a surge in violent anti-foreigner protests across several cities, raising fresh concerns over safety.

    Violence spreads across major cities

    The advisory follows a communication from the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, which reported that protests in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent.

    According to the April 22 circular, the unrest has led to looting, destruction of property, and injuries, with fears that the situation could worsen.

    The consulate also warned that more protests are expected in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29.

    NiDCOM urges caution, avoidance of protest areas

    In response, NiDCOM advised Nigerians to avoid protest zones, steer clear of confrontations, and stay updated through credible local media.

    The commission stressed the need for Nigerians to remain law-abiding while the situation unfolds.

    Business owners told to shut down temporarily

    Nigerian business owners were specifically urged to close shops on Freedom Day, April 27, and possibly extend the shutdown until April 29.

    The warning follows concerns that foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during such protests.

    Diplomatic efforts underway

    NiDCOM reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, noting that the consulate remains operational and is working with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

    Meanwhile, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is reportedly engaging her South African counterpart in diplomatic talks aimed at resolving the situation.

    The commission reiterated its commitment to Nigerians in the diaspora, urging continued vigilance as developments unfold.