Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, has disclosed that the Federal Government is proceeding with plans to evacuate Nigerians willing to leave South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions and anti-foreigner protests in the country.
Ojukwu made this known in a statement on Thursday after a telephone conversation with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, over growing concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
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According to the minister, Lamola expressed concern over Nigeria’s evacuation plans amid the recent wave of anti-migrant demonstrations, including protests held in Durban on May 6.
Ojukwu, however, maintained that the Nigerian government could not “stand by and watch the systematic harassment and humiliation” of its citizens in South Africa, including what she described as extra-judicial killings of Nigerians.
She stated that the evacuation of Nigerians who wish to voluntarily return home remains a priority for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The minister also urged South African authorities to take reported cases involving attacks and killings of Nigerians more seriously, insisting that perpetrators must face swift consequences.
Although the Durban protests did not turn violent due to heavy security deployment, Ojukwu said Nigerians were advised by the Nigerian Mission in South Africa to close their shops and remain indoors as a precautionary measure.
She further raised concerns over what she described as inflammatory rhetoric and actions by anti-foreigner political groups in South Africa, warning that such actions could endanger the lives and property of Nigerians and potentially threaten South African interests in Nigeria.
“Nigerians have exercised, and continue to demonstrate, commendable restraint in their response to the ongoing crisis,” she said.
Ojukwu also revealed that Nigerian families in South Africa had reported incidents of bullying involving Nigerian children and children of mixed Nigerian and South African parentage, locally referred to as “Sougerians.”
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According to her, some of the children have reportedly been taunted in schools and told to “return to their country,” a situation she described as reprehensible and capable of causing lasting psychological trauma.
She said Lamola acknowledged the concerns and assured that South African authorities were engaging relevant educational bodies to discourage such practices and protect affected children.
Both ministers pledged continued diplomatic engagement to de-escalate tensions, while also noting the condemnation of xenophobic attacks by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government.
However, Ojukwu questioned whether the attacks should more accurately be described as “Afriphobia” rather than xenophobia, arguing that black African migrants appeared to be the primary targets.
She further disclosed that President Tinubu had directed Nigerian missions in South Africa to immediately establish crisis notification units for distressed Nigerians.
The minister advised Nigerians living in South Africa to promptly contact local security agencies whenever they face threats or dangerous situations.
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.
