Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has raised concern over renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa, calling on authorities in Pretoria to take immediate and decisive steps to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals amid reports of violence and intimidation, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the commission said it is deeply worried about what it described as a worsening pattern of hostility targeting black immigrants in parts of South Africa.
NIDCOM noted that despite earlier diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and South Africa aimed at easing tensions, “the situation on the ground is deteriorating.”
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According to the commission, reports from affected communities indicate growing fear among Nigerian residents, with children reportedly afraid to attend school and business owners staying away from their shops due to concerns over harassment, intimidation, and possible attacks. Community leaders have also documented fresh incidents of violence within the last 72 hours.
The renewed alarm comes against the backdrop of earlier confirmed reports that two Nigerians were killed in South Africa in connection with recent xenophobic-related attacks, according to Nigerian consular authorities.
The deaths, which remain under investigation by South African authorities, have heightened concerns among the Nigerian diaspora community and intensified calls for stronger protection measures.
Consular Monitoring and Security Concerns
NIDCOM said it remains in close contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate in Johannesburg, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor developments and ensure the safety of citizens.
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The commission called on South African authorities to take urgent and visible measures to protect all foreign nationals in line with international obligations and African Union protocols on human rights and free movement.
It also rejected what it described as the profiling of Nigerians, stressing that criminality must be treated as an individual offence rather than attributed to an entire nationality.
“Crime has no nationality,” the statement said, warning against collective punishment and generalisation, which it described as unacceptable and dangerous.
Demands and Diplomatic Engagement
NIDCOM outlined several demands, including increased police presence in identified hotspots, swift arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of xenophobic violence, stronger public condemnation of xenophobia, and the establishment of a joint Nigeria–South Africa community safety forum involving law enforcement agencies, city officials, and diaspora representatives.
The commission advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas, particularly after dark, while urging calm and restraint.
It also acknowledged peaceful South Africans who continue to coexist with migrant communities and called for renewed commitment to mutual respect and human dignity.
NIDCOM added that Nigeria will continue to engage South African authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure the safety, dignity, and protection of its citizens abroad.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
