The Federal Government has announced plans to evacuate Nigerians in South Africa following a surge in anti-migrant protests and xenophobic rhetoric.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this following a telephone discussion with her South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola.
The move comes in response to heightened tensions, including a major demonstration held in Durban on May 6, which forced many Nigerian business owners into hiding.
Ojukwu expressed the government’s firm stance against the systematic harassment and humiliation of its nationals.
“Our government cannot stand by and watch the extra-judicial killings of our people,” she stated, noting that a crisis notification unit has been established by the Nigerian mission to support distressed citizens.
Beyond physical violence, the Minister raised concerns over the Afriphobic nature of the attacks and the psychological toll on Sougerian children, those born to Nigerian and South African parents who are reportedly being bullied in schools.
While South African authorities have pledged to intervene through educational supervisory bodies, President Bola Tinubu has directed immediate diplomatic measures to ensure the safety of Nigerians and protect their interests from the violent rhetoric of anti-foreigner political groups.
