Namibia and Nigeria Repatriate Thousands Following South Africa Xenophobic Attacks

The Government of Namibia and the Government of Nigeria executed large-scale voluntary repatriation efforts for their citizens fleeing xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant violence in South Africa. The unrest, fueled by crime and unemployment, led to widespread property damage and injuries, prompting both nations to organize emergency evacuations.

Namibia repatriated 72 citizens on Sunday, with more than 100 additional residents requesting return. Secilia Hiskia, Acting Executive Director of International Relations and Trade, characterized the effort as a humanitarian intervention. While some returnees expressed hope to return to South Africa for their livelihoods once tensions ease, local officials like Oshana governor Hofni Ipinge urged public support for those who lost their belongings. Opposition figures, including Rodney Cloete, criticized the government for lacking proper budgetary contingency planning for such recurring events.

Simultaneously, Nigeria repatriated 1,490 citizens under a program approved by President Bola Tinubu. These evacuees arrived in Lagos via a series of government-arranged flights, including those operated by Air Peace, with the final group landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on July 15, 2026. Nigerian authorities have called on South African officials to prosecute perpetrators and improve protections for foreign residents, while both nations have urged calm to maintain diplomatic relations.