Nigeria and Uganda Evacuate Hundreds from Xenophobic Violence in South Africa

The governments of Nigeria and Uganda launched emergency voluntary repatriation programs in late June 2026 to rescue citizens from escalating xenophobic violence and anti-migrant protests in South Africa. The unrest, driven by vigilante groups blaming foreigners for unemployment and crime, included a June 30 deadline for undocumented nationals to leave. The violence resulted in at least four deaths, including one Ugandan national killed in KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Nigeria conducted a series of Air Peace charter flights funded by the federal government. By July 3, a fourth batch of approximately 270 Nigerians arrived in Lagos, following previous phases that returned 328 citizens. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the operations to continue beyond the vigilante deadline. Nigeria has indicated it will seek compensation from South African authorities for citizens who lost businesses and property.

Uganda operated three batches of charter flights via Uganda Airlines, repatriating at least 560 citizens to Entebbe International Airport by July 5. President Yoweri Museveni mandated that the government cover all evacuation costs, including emergency travel documents for those with expired passports. Upon arrival, the Ugandan military and government initiated training programs to help returnees reintegrate and find new economic opportunities at home. Ugandan officials have since urged citizens within Uganda to remain calm and avoid retaliating against South African-owned businesses.