*UN Raises Concern, Urges Steps To Stem Further Attacks
AS fear and panic spread among Diaspora community in South Africa, following renewed xenophobic attacks and violence in South Africa, which has so far claimed the lives of two Nigerians, the Federal Government has demanded the protection of its citizens in the country, saying such is both a constitutional and moral obligation of the government.
The Federal Government, in a statement on Monday in Abuja by spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said: “Nigeria recalls the recent attacks on foreign nationals in some major cities in South Africa.
“As brotherly countries, Nigeria wishes to use the occasion of the anniversary of Freedom Day to call on the Government of South Africa to protect the lives and property of foreigners from fellow African countries currently residing in their country.
“Nigeria remains confident that the enduring partnership between both nations will continue to contribute to peace, stability, and sustainable development across the African continent.
“The government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria extend their best wishes to the government and people of South Africa for continued unity, progress, and prosperity.”
The statement noted that Nigeria and South Africa share deep historical ties rooted in the anti-apartheid struggle and have since built a strong bilateral relationship spanning trade, defence, education and cultural exchange, as well as cooperation within the African Union and United Nations.
It underscored ongoing collaboration through frameworks, such as the Bi-National Commission, and stressed the importance of continental unity and collective progress.
Similarly, the United Nations (UN) has expressed concern over the renewed violence and urged the South African authorities to take urgent steps to protect foreign nationals and prevent further escalation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 28, UN Secretary General, António Guterres, expressed grief following reports of attacks targeting migrants and non-nationals, warning that such incidents pose a threat to social cohesion and the rule of law.
The world body noted reports of harassment, intimidation and violence in parts of the country, charging South African authorities to guarantee the safety and dignity of all residents, regardless of nationality or origin.
While acknowledging the country’s constitutional protections for human rights, the UN stressed the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to deter perpetrators and rebuild trust within affected communities.
The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg confirmed that Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew were killed in separate incidents linked to rising anti-foreigner tensions.
The Consul General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, said in a statement on Monday that Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20, while Andrew was apprehended on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria, after an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
Okey-Uche said both cases involving security personnel have left the victims’ families, Nigerian community and diplomatic missions in shock.
A formal case has since been opened with the South African Police Service, while the Nigerian Mission has urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to ensure a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
It stated that “no matter the allegations, there are lawful processes. Everyone should be presumed innocent and granted a fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their hands.”
The consul general said the consulate was engaging relevant authorities and would provide necessary support to the families of the deceased, warning against the growing trend of profiling Nigerians as criminals.
Okey-Uche also urged Nigerians in the country to remain calm and law-abiding as investigations continue.
In one viral video, a Nigerian trader was confronted during an anti-immigrant protest and ordered to leave the country with his family, with one attacker saying: “From now on, we don’t want foreigners in this town. We are fixing our South Africa now.
“Take your wife and go back to your country. Take your children and go and raise them at home.”
In another video, an Ethiopian was shot dead at close range at a busy intersection in Johannesburg, with no immediate provocation or robbery, suggesting targeted killing.
The South African Police Service, while condemning acts of intimidation against foreigners, said: “These actions are not only unlawful, but they stand in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality and human rights upon which our democracy is founded.” t
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) warned of increasing hostility, harassment and alleged police brutality against Nigerians and other African nationals.
Its President, Frank Onyekwelu, described the situation as alarming, calling for urgent intervention by Nigerian and African leaders.
He stated: “We are alarmed by the increasing normalisation of hostility, manifested through inflammatory rhetoric by certain political actors, unlawful intimidation and discriminatory enforcement practices by some law enforcement personnel.
“These actions not only undermine human dignity, but also threaten the long-standing bonds of African solidarity.
“On behalf of the Nigerian community, I appeal to President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives to act with urgency, firmness and strategic diplomacy in tackling these developments.”
Onyekwelu also urged stronger diplomatic engagement, accountability for erring officers and the creation of mechanisms to document and address xenophobic abuses.
“Nigerians in South Africa are law-abiding, economically contributing and socially integrated members of society. The reckless stereotyping and collective criminalisation of our people must stop.
“NICASA reiterates its commitment to peace, lawful conduct and constructive engagement within our host nation.
“We urge compatriots to remain calm, vigilant and compliant with the laws of South Africa, while we pursue diplomatic and institutional remedies.”
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged foreign nationals to respect South Africa’s laws and traditions, while reaffirming his commitment to international law and human rights.
In a video during his address on the occasion of the country’s Freedom Day on Monday, April 27, Ramaphosa said: “To those who are here legally, respect us as South Africans, respect our laws, respect our conventions and our traditions, as you would want us to respect the laws and traditions of your own country.”
