Nigeria has formally urged South Africa to intensify efforts to prevent xenophobic attacks on Nigerian and other African migrants. This demand came during talks in Abuja on Monday, July 28, 2026, between Nigerian officials and a South African delegation.
The Nigerian government stated that repeated violence strains ties between the two nations. It also raises questions about whether the South African government is complicit in these attacks. President Bola Tinubu ordered the meeting to address what Abuja described as persistent "Afrophobic attacks" targeting migrants.
This issue fits into a broader narrative of regional economic migration and social tensions. South Africa, as Africa's most industrialised economy, attracts migrants from various countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, and Malawi. However, this migration has sometimes led to resentment among some South Africans who blame immigrants for issues like crime and unemployment.
Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, highlighted a concerning pattern of anti-migrant violence. He cited outbreaks dating back to 1995. Enikanolaiye stated that at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in xenophobic attacks since 2022. He added that 1,490 Nigerians have been evacuated from South Africa since the latest outbreak of violence.
Enikanolaiye noted that not only suspected criminals but also nationals legally residing in South Africa have been attacked. He documented cases where police appeared unwilling to intervene. This raises "issues of complicity if the state authorities are unwilling or not able" to protect foreign nationals. He stressed that while Nigeria does not condone criminal activity by its citizens abroad, suspects should face due process, not mob violence. "If there are criminals, the solution is not to kill them. Get them arrested, prosecuted," Enikanolaiye asserted.
South African Special Envoy and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola responded to Nigeria's concerns. Lamola affirmed that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's government is firmly opposed to xenophobia, racism, and discrimination. This statement aims to reassure Nigeria of South Africa's commitment to addressing the issue.
The ongoing dialogue between Nigeria and South Africa is crucial for regional stability and economic cooperation. The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched by other African nations with citizens residing in South Africa. Future actions by the South African government to protect migrants and prosecute perpetrators will determine the effectiveness of these diplomatic efforts. This situation could influence trade relations and diplomatic ties across the continent.
The persistent nature of these attacks poses a significant challenge to regional integration efforts. It also impacts the perception of South Africa as a safe destination for African migrants. The international community will monitor how South Africa balances its domestic concerns with its obligations to protect foreign nationals.