Nigeria Begins Voluntary Evacuation of Citizens From South Africa Amid Rising Xenophobic Attacks

The Federal Government has commenced plans to evacuate Nigerian citizens willing to return home from South Africa, following a wave of anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic attacks in the rainbow nation.

Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu announced on Sunday that 130 applicants have so far registered for the voluntary repatriation exercise, a figure expected to rise as more citizens seek assistance to leave.

The evacuation follows directives from President Bola Tinubu, who has ordered close monitoring of the situation and stronger protection for Nigerians abroad.

“The President has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said. “Arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home.”

The Minister confirmed that two Nigerians have died in separate incidents linked to South African security personnel last month.

Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on April 25 from injuries sustained after alleged brutal beatings by military personnel of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth on April 20.

Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew also died following an alleged interaction with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary on April 20.

“Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk, and we remain committed to working with South Africa to explore ways to put an end to this xenophobic pattern,” the Minister stated.

The Federal Government has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner, Bobby Moroe, to a crucial meeting scheduled for Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the purpose of the engagement is to formally convey Nigeria’s “profound concern” regarding recent events that could affect the established cordial relations between both nations.

Discussions will focus on ongoing demonstrations by various groups in South Africa and documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.

The anti-immigrant protests, which took place in major cities including Pretoria and Johannesburg between April 27 and 29, saw foreign-owned businesses urged to close for fear of violence.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks but also cautioned foreigners to respect local laws.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia stated that “acts of xenophobia, violence, looting or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

However, Nigerian community leaders on the ground report that children of Nigerian descent are afraid to attend school, while business owners remain reluctant to open their shops due to fears of targeted attacks.

Peter Odike, a Nigerian who became a naturalised South African citizen in 2006, told the BBC: “Business is totally down. Most of us are shutting down because it’s not safe to stay here.”

Concerns are mounting about further protests expected between May 4 and 8, prompting intensified coordination between Nigerian and South African authorities.

The Minister noted that while South African officials have condemned the violence, disturbing images circulating online have fuelled international concern.

South Africa is home to approximately 2.4 million migrants, representing less than four percent of the population, according to official figures, though many more are believed to be in the country unofficially.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appealed for calm among Nigerians while assuring that the government remains committed to protecting the rights and well-being of its citizens residing in South Africa.