Nigeria and Ghana Repatriate Citizens After South African Violence

Xenophobic violence in South Africa has left at least seven people dead and thousands of businesses closed, sparking a diplomatic crisis with several African neighbors. In response, Nigeria and Ghana have launched emergency repatriation programs, returning approximately 1,500 Nigerian and 900 Ghanaian nationals to their home countries.

Diplomatic relations have deteriorated rapidly. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu refused to meet with a South African delegation, and Ghana cancelled a planned August 2026 visit by Cyril Ramaphosa. Nigerian lawmakers have further demanded the cancellation of licenses for South African companies operating within Nigeria.

The South African government attributes the unrest to high unemployment and illegal migration. President Ramaphosa warned that community concerns regarding migration should not breed prejudice. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola defended national sovereignty and law enforcement, asserting that migration must be based on cooperation and continental responsibility.

Nigeria and Ghana are now urging the African Union to add "Afrophobia" to its official agenda, arguing the violence threatens the African Continental Free Trade Area. African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat condemned the killings in the strongest terms and demanded that offenders be punished.