Nigeria Plans Evacuations Amid South African Anti-Foreigner Violence

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa to establish crisis notification units following an escalation of anti-foreigner violence in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and East London. The violence, driven by groups including Operation Dudula and the March and March Movement, has prompted the Nigerian government to organize the voluntary evacuation of its citizens, with at least 130 people already registered to return home.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu characterized the campaign as Afriphobia, citing systematic harassment and the bullying of children in schools. She emphasized that the government cannot ignore the extrajudicial killings of Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro. While South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola expressed reservations regarding the evacuation plans, Nigeria has advised its citizens to remain indoors and close their businesses.

In response to the crisis, the Nigerian House of Representatives recommended suspending business permits for South African companies operating in Nigeria. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced plans for a joint parliamentary delegation to visit South Africa to address the attacks. The Nigerian Bar Association also condemned the violence, asserting that attacking individuals based on nationality violates the rule of law.