Africa-Press. Nigeria has activated a program to repatriate its citizens from South Africa following protests targeting foreigners.
The Nigerian Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated that at least 130 Nigerian citizens in South Africa have requested to return home by air after protests aimed at foreigners.
The minister added that these applicants are the first to be called under a new program to assist Nigerian citizens in returning home amid fears of escalating confrontations in South Africa.
She stated that the priority of the Nigerian president is the safety of citizens, and “therefore, arrangements are currently being made to collect data on Nigerians in South Africa to organize voluntary return flights for those seeking assistance to return home.”
Protesters organized marches in Pretoria and Johannesburg last week, demanding stricter measures against illegal immigration, claiming that illegal foreigners are putting pressure on job opportunities, security, and public services.
Migrant rights organizations say that foreigners are often scapegoated for economic problems in South Africa. Nigeria condemned the violence targeting its citizens in South Africa, including the reported killing of two Nigerians allegedly assaulted by security personnel, according to Kemebi Imomotimi Ibinfa, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry.
Ibinfa stated, “Nigeria requests full cooperation in providing autopsy reports, post-mortem documents, and relevant case files, and in facilitating the access of the victims’ families to legal proceedings.” She added that accountability should include “appropriate disciplinary and legal actions” if any wrongdoing is proven.
South Africa pledged last month to address any individuals committing anti-foreigner attacks, after Ghana and other African countries reported their citizens facing violence and discrimination. The Nigerian government announced plans for more protests on May 4 and 8, and it will closely monitor developments.
The Foreign Minister indicated that she has already summoned the South African High Commissioner in Abuja regarding the situation, and that Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa are working with local authorities to mitigate risks faced by Nigerians.
The number of migrants in South Africa is approximately 2.4 million, which is just under 4% of the population, according to official statistics. However, it is believed that a much larger number are present in the country informally.
Most come from neighboring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, which have a history of providing migrant labor to their wealthier neighbor. A smaller number come from Nigeria.
