Nigeria–South Africa tensions rise over xenophobic attacks

Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa have become increasingly strained following a new wave of violent anti-immigration protests targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.

Nigeria has threatened possible retaliatory measures after beginning the repatriation of hundreds of its citizens from South Africa, where reports of xenophobic attacks and harassment have resurfaced.

Rising unrest in South Africa

South Africa has experienced repeated anti-immigration protests since late April 2026. Demonstrators have demanded stricter enforcement against undocumented migrants, blaming them for unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services.

Violence linked to these protests has led to deaths, looting of foreign-owned businesses, and forced displacement of migrants from several communities. Nationals from Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Ghana have been among those affected.

Nigeria’s reaction

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, accused South African authorities of failing to strongly condemn the attacks on Nigerians.

She said Nigerians—both documented and undocumented—have been “harassed” and that businesses have been looted while children are kept out of school in affected areas.

At least two Nigerians were reported killed in recent incidents. Nigeria has already begun repatriating its citizens, with about 1,000 initially listed for evacuation, though more people have since requested to return.

The Nigerian government is also considering “retaliatory measures,” though officials say no final decision has been taken.

South Africa’s response

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged public concern over immigration and announced tougher measures to address illegal migration.

These include:

harsher penalties for employers hiring undocumented workers

creation of special courts for faster deportation cases

a new biometric population register to track residents.

However, Ramaphosa warned citizens against vigilante actions, stressing that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the state.

South Africa, which hosts an estimated 2.4 million foreign nationals, has long faced tensions over migration. High unemployment and inequality have fueled resentment toward migrants in some communities.

Human rights groups, however, argue that foreigners are often unfairly blamed for broader economic and social problems.

Previous waves of xenophobic violence occurred in 2008, 2015, and 2019, leading to deaths and diplomatic disputes with several African countries, including Nigeria.

Repatriations and regional impact

Ghana and Mozambique have also repatriated citizens following recent unrest. Authorities in Mozambique say several of their nationals were killed during the violence.

Social media reports claiming deadlines for foreigners to leave South Africa have been dismissed by the government.