Fresh xenophobic attacks in South Africa have left Nigerians counting losses, prompted renewed calls for intervention, and triggered safety advisories from NiDCOM amid fears of further violence.
Fresh waves of xenophobic attacks have again left Nigerians in South Africa counting losses, with businesses looted and residents fleeing for safety in parts of Johannesburg and Durban this week. The latest outbreak, which began on Monday, reportedly saw mobs target foreign-owned shops, vandalise property and unleash violence on African immigrants, reviving fears among the Nigerian community. Several Nigerians were said to have lost goods worth millions of naira, while others reportedly went into hiding, amid memories of similar attacks in 2015 and 2019 that forced emergency evacuations.
Reacting to the crisis, Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema condemned the attacks, describing them as “self-hatred” and a betrayal of African unity. “We are ashamed to see black people attacking other Africans,” Malema said, arguing that the violence was driven by colonial mindsets and would not solve South Africa’s economic challenges. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Union South Africa said it had documented fresh cases of harassment and looting, with a NUSA official stating, “We can not continue to live in fear every few years. Our people are not criminals; they are contributing to the economy,” while calling for urgent intervention from both Nigerian and South African authorities.
Amid concerns over possible escalation, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to heed warnings from the Consulate General in Johannesburg following reports of unrest in East London, Cape Town, Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. According to NiDCOM, intelligence indicated further protests in Gauteng Province from April 27 to 29, prompting advice for Nigerians to avoid confrontations, monitor developments and consider closing businesses during the protest period. The commission said the Johannesburg consulate remains operational and is coordinating with South African police as concerns grow over the safety of Nigerians and the recurrence of xenophobic violence.
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