Two Nigerian citizens have been reported killed in South Africa as a recent surge in xenophobic violence targets African immigrants, prompting a strong response from the Nigerian government.
According to the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew were killed as tensions escalated earlier this month. The incidents have fueled fears among African migrant communities, particularly those from Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, and raised concerns about a potential breakdown in diplomatic relations.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), issued a statement on Wednesday condemning the attacks and calling on South African authorities to take immediate action against the perpetrators. “We state clearly that NiDCOM rejects the profiling and generalisation of all Nigerians. Crime has no nationality,” Dabiri-Erewa stated. “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.”
NiDCOM reports that the security situation for Nigerians in South Africa is rapidly deteriorating, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two countries. Nigerians are reportedly living in fear, impacting their daily lives. Pupils of Nigerian descent are afraid to attend school, and numerous business owners have closed their shops to avoid potential attacks, looting, and harassment. Community leaders have reported a surge in violence and intimidation over the past 72 hours, according to the commission.
The commission has urged South African authorities to increase police patrols in areas where Nigerian residents and businesses are concentrated. It too called for the swift arrest and prosecution of those involved in violence, arson, and extortion. NiDCOM further proposed the establishment of a joint Nigeria-South Africa community safety forum, including law enforcement, local government officials, and diaspora representatives, to address the escalating crisis.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for clear public messaging from South African authorities condemning xenophobia and discouraging the stereotyping of foreign nationals. She disclosed that NiDCOM is maintaining close contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor the situation.
NiDCOM has advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain law-abiding, exercise vigilance, and avoid high-risk areas, especially at night, while authorities work to restore calm.
Observers note that the renewed violence could significantly strain diplomatic ties between Nigeria and South Africa. Previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa have prompted retaliatory actions in Nigeria, including boycotts and protests. In 2019, several foreign-owned businesses were targeted in Johannesburg and other cities, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians.
As of Thursday, the South African Police Service has not issued a public statement addressing the recent killings or the broader concerns raised by NiDCOM. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation in South Africa has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the escalating tensions and the Nigerian government’s demands for action.
