Nigeria Demands South Africa Stop Xenophobic Attacks

The Government of Nigeria has demanded that South Africa take urgent action to halt xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals. During a virtual roundtable hosted by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye reported that approximately 90 Nigerians have been killed since June 2022, with additional attacks and displacements occurring throughout 2026.

Enikanolaiye urged South African authorities to reform migration policies and end vigilantism, insisting that only government agencies should enforce immigration laws. He warned that political rhetoric labeling migrants as criminals or job thieves encourages violence and damages South Africa's international image and investor confidence.

To emphasize the need for regional solidarity, the Nigerian government highlighted its historical support for South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle, citing an estimated $60 billion investment. Enikanolaiye noted that the relationship between the two nations is built on a history of blood, sacrifice, and solidarity that extends beyond trade statistics.