The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over rising anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, warning that the safety of Nigerians must be guaranteed amid growing tensions.
President Bola Tinubu raised the alarm after receiving security briefings on recent demonstrations targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in major cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg.
This is contained in a post by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu on X.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu pointed out that images circulating in mainstream and social media showing violence, xenophobic rhetoric, and anti-migrant demonstrations have drawn global condemnation.
She said, despite this, South African authorities have publicly distanced themselves from the attacks.
According to the post, President Cyril Ramaphosa, alongside Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and Police Affairs Minister Firoz Cachalia, condemned the violence.
“We oppose any form of extra-judicial killings, destruction of property, and xenophobic sentiments that promote anarchy,” South African officials stated.
The Minister explained that the protests, led by an anti-migration group, took place between April 27 and 29, 2026, and were largely peaceful under heavy police presence, with occasional use of teargas to prevent escalation.
She said that no Nigerian-owned property was reportedly destroyed during the demonstrations, and no Nigerian deaths were recorded during the protests themselves.
However, two Nigerian nationals were confirmed dead in separate incidents involving security personnel prior to the protests.
According to the Minister, one victim, Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel, died on April 25 from injuries allegedly sustained during an assault by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.
Another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew, reportedly died following an encounter with the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
The Nigerian government described the incidents as “utterly condemnable and unacceptable,” demanding justice.
“Nigeria demands that justice be done in these cases,” the post read.
She stated that in response to the developments, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner, while diplomatic engagements continue between both countries.
She explained that President Tinubu had also directed close monitoring of the situation, particularly ahead of another planned round of protests scheduled for May 4–8, 2026.
She said the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is working with local authorities and Nigerian community groups to ensure the safety of citizens.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu also stated that authorities had also begun compiling a database of Nigerians willing to return home voluntarily. So far, about 130 individuals have registered for possible evacuation flights, with the number expected to rise.
She said the Federal Government reminded South Africa of Nigeria’s historic role in supporting the anti-apartheid struggle, urging that such sacrifices should not be forgotten.
“Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa must not continue to be put at risk,” the statement stressed.
She also warned that xenophobic violence has become cyclical, often intensifying around election periods, with some political actors accused of exploiting anti-foreigner sentiments.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that Nigeria and South Africa recently signed a memorandum of understanding on early warning mechanisms aimed at protecting citizens of both countries during crises.
RN
