Nigeria Demands Protection and Justice for Citizens in South Africa

A lasting Nigeria–South Africa partnership is vital to African unity, but it cannot thrive while Nigerians in South Africa face violence, displacement and hostile public rhetoric. Racist ideas that Africans cannot govern themselves must be rejected through better leadership, solidarity and mutual respect across the continent. I am deeply concerned by reports of xenophobic attacks, alleged police abuses and the loss of Nigerian lives in South Africa. Nigerian officials and community representatives say several Nigerians have been killed in recent years, while others have lost homes, businesses and property during attacks and forced displacement. The reported remarks by a South African government minister linking Nigerians to drug dens, alongside the refusal to consider compensation for lost property, are disrespectful and dangerous. Such broad accusations can fuel further hostility against innocent Nigerians. Nigeria and South Africa must address these allegations honestly and urgently. Nigerian lives must be protected, alleged abuses must be investigated, perpetrators must face justice, and victims of unlawful property loss should receive appropriate redress. The historic bond between both countries must be strengthened through dignity, accountability and Pan-African solidarity.

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