By Adesakin Adefemi
The Federal Government has warned South Africa that it will not tolerate the harassment and extrajudicial killing of Nigerians amid renewed xenophobic tensions, saying the safety of its citizens remains a top priority.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the position known on Thursday after a telephone conversation with her South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola. She said Nigeria had raised serious concerns over recent anti-migrant protests and growing anti-foreigner sentiments in parts of the country.
Ojukwu stated that the government could not “stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation of our nationals resident in South Africa.” She added that evacuation of Nigerians willing to return home is now the immediate focus, following fears triggered by the latest demonstration held in Durban on May 6.
According to her, while the Durban protest did not turn violent due to heavy security presence, the Nigerian mission had advised citizens to close their shops and remain indoors for safety. She noted that such precautionary measures were necessary to prevent possible attacks on Nigerians and their businesses.
The minister also condemned what she described as “violent and indiscriminate rhetoric” from anti-foreigner political groups in South Africa. She warned that such actions not only endanger Nigerian lives and property but could also put South African interests in Nigeria at risk if tensions escalate further.
Ojukwu further revealed that Nigerian children, including those born to Nigerian and South African parents, commonly called “Sougerians,” have allegedly been bullied in schools and told to “return to their country.” She described the treatment as traumatic and unacceptable, stressing that children must be protected from discrimination.
In response, Lamola acknowledged South Africa’s responsibility to safeguard the affected children and said education authorities were working to discourage the behavior. Both ministers also discussed measures to de-escalate the crisis following public condemnation of the attacks by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ojukwu questioned whether the incidents should be labeled “Afriphobia” rather than xenophobia, noting that black African foreigners appear to be the main targets of the attacks. She said Nigeria would continue to monitor the situation closely and demand accountability for perpetrators of violence.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigerian missions in South Africa to set up an immediate crisis notification unit for distressed citizens. Ojukwu advised Nigerians facing threats to first contact South African security authorities while the government coordinates further protective and evacuation measures.
