JOHANNESBURG/South Africa: The Nigerian government has been urged to take urgent diplomatic steps to safeguard its citizens in South Africa following growing concerns over a June 30 deadline announced by anti-immigration activists, which community leaders fear could trigger attacks on foreign nationals.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), Mr. Ekos Akpokabayen, warned that although the deadline was not issued by the South African government, developments surrounding the planned action could heighten tensions and expose migrants to intimidation, violence and destruction of property.
Akpokabayen made the call in a statement issued in Johannesburg, urging the Federal Government to proactively engage South African authorities before the situation escalates.
According to him, preventive action remains the best approach, especially given South Africa’s history of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.
“It is always better to prevent such situations before they escalate because the consequences may be severe,” he said.
The NUSA leader cautioned that criminal elements could exploit the planned action as an opportunity to loot shops, attack businesses and target foreign-owned properties under the guise of anti-immigration protests.
He called on the Nigerian Mission in South Africa to intensify monitoring of developments and maintain close communication with Nigerian community leaders across the country.
Akpokabayen stressed that regular engagement would help keep Nigerians informed about emerging risks and reassure them that efforts were being made to guarantee their safety.
He also appealed to Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while avoiding actions that could inflame tensions.
According to him, unity and mutual support within the Nigerian community would be essential in navigating the uncertain period.
The community leader expressed confidence that proactive engagement between Nigerian and South African authorities would help avert any breakdown of law and order and ensure the protection of lives and property regardless of nationality.
South Africa has witnessed repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with foreign nationals frequently accused by some groups of taking jobs, engaging in criminal activities and placing pressure on public services.
Nigerians have often been among the victims of such attacks, alongside migrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Somalia and other African countries.
Major incidents of xenophobic violence were recorded in 2008, 2015 and 2019, resulting in deaths, injuries and widespread destruction of businesses owned by foreign nationals.
The 2019 attacks particularly affected Nigerians and triggered diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa.
In response to the crisis, the Nigerian government organised the voluntary evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians who opted to return home, with the exercise coordinated through the Nigerian High Commission and relevant government agencies.
The aftermath of the attacks also prompted both countries to establish diplomatic mechanisms aimed at improving bilateral relations and addressing concerns affecting their citizens.
Since then, Nigeria and South Africa have launched several initiatives to strengthen cooperation in migration management, security and consular affairs.
However, recent anti-immigration campaigns by some groups in South Africa have renewed fears among migrant communities, many of whom remain concerned about their safety and security.
Although the June 30 deadline has no official backing from the South African government, community leaders warn that the rhetoric surrounding the campaign could fuel tensions and create an environment that exposes foreign nationals to possible attacks and intimidation if proactive measures are not taken.
