Nigeria Reads the Riot Act to South Africa, Demands Immediate End to Xenophobic Killings of Its Citizens

The Nigerian government has delivered one of its strongest diplomatic warnings yet to South Africa, demanding immediate and decisive action to stop the relentless wave of xenophobic violence claiming the lives of Nigerian citizens abroad.

The stern message was delivered during a high-stakes diplomatic meeting in Abuja, convened on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, sat down with South African Special Envoy Ronald Lamola to address the escalating crisis that threatens to rupture ties between Africa’s two biggest economies.

During the talks, Ambassador Enikanolaiye laid bare the grim reality of the violence, disclosing that no fewer than 98 Nigerians have been murdered in South Africa since 2022 as a result of mob justice, hate crimes, and extra-judicial killings. The hostile environment has also triggered severe humanitarian consequences, prompting the recent evacuation of nearly 1,500 Nigerians who were forced to abandon their homes and businesses to escape the violence.

While acknowledging that any Nigerian found breaking South African laws should face lawful prosecution, the minister strongly condemned the resort to jungle justice. He stressed that the inability of host authorities to protect foreign nationals raises serious questions about public safety and equal protection under international law.

“Nigerians have continued to be among the principal victims of what we describe as Afrophobia,” Ambassador Enikanolaiye stated firmly. “We will never support drug trafficking or any criminal conduct. However, anyone accused of committing an offence must be prosecuted in accordance with South Africa’s Constitution, the rule of law and international human rights obligations”.

Representing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Lamola attempted to ease tensions by highlighting the deep historical ties between the two nations, expressing enduring gratitude for Nigeria’s massive support during South Africa’s fight against apartheid.

While Lamola condemned xenophobia and all forms of discrimination, he made it clear that Pretoria remains committed to strictly enforcing its immigration laws and clamping down on transnational crime. He noted that South African security agencies have already arrested several suspects linked to the recent anti-immigrant attacks, with prosecutions currently underway.

As both nations scramble to de-escalate the diplomatic friction, both governments have agreed to strengthen cooperation on migration management and accelerate the long-delayed Nigeria-South Africa Early Warning Mechanism to prevent further bloodshed and protect law-abiding citizens.