By Adesakin Adefemi
The Federal Government has summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in parts of South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the envoy was invited for a meeting scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The move comes amid growing public anger over reports of assaults on Nigerians and destruction of their businesses.
Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa confirmed the summons in a statement issued on Saturday. He said the engagement is to formally convey Nigeria’s “profound concern” over recent events that could strain long-standing diplomatic ties between both countries.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended an invitation to the Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa for a meeting scheduled to take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja,” the statement read.
According to Ebienfa, discussions will center on ongoing demonstrations by various groups in South Africa and “documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.” He did not specify the cities affected but noted that Nigerians based in South Africa have been caught up in the widespread violence.
The ministry acknowledged “growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa.” It appealed for calm, assuring citizens that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerians abroad.
Nigeria and South Africa have a history of diplomatic friction over xenophobic violence. Similar attacks in 2019 led to the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians and a temporary recall of Nigeria’s High Commissioner. Both countries later pledged to establish early warning mechanisms to prevent future outbreaks.
No official casualty figures were released on Saturday. However, videos and firsthand accounts circulating on social media showed shops allegedly owned by Nigerians being looted and set ablaze in parts of Johannesburg and Durban. The South African government has not yet issued a formal response to the latest summons.
Diplomatic analysts say Monday’s meeting will test the strength of bilateral relations between Africa’s two largest economies.
Abuja is expected to demand concrete assurances on the safety of its citizens and compensation for destroyed businesses, while Pretoria will likely seek to reassure Nigeria that it is taking steps to contain the unrest.
