ABUJA-Nigeria has accused South Africa of failing to protect foreign nationals after two Nigerian citizens were killed amid rising anti-migrant sentiment in the country.
In a statement, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Emeka Charles Iroegbu was reportedly killed on 28 June by police officers in Pretoria who allegedly used “gruesome interrogation techniques”. On the same day, another Nigerian, Musa Yunana Joe, a shop owner, was reportedly attacked and killed by unidentified assailants outside his business in the city of eMalahleni.
South African authorities have confirmed that investigations into both incidents are underway.
The South African police watchdog said on Monday that the Iroegbu case had been reported to it last week and that investigators had already begun their work.
Nigeria said the killings occurred “at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted” in South Africa, where growing anti-migrant sentiment has prompted the repatriation of about 25,000 foreign nationals by their home countries, including around 700 Nigerians.
The violence follows weeks of anti-immigration protests, with demonstrators demanding tougher action against illegal migration. Protesters argue that undocumented migrants are taking jobs and placing pressure on public services.
Nigeria said it had placed the South African government “on notice”, warning that “all options remain on the table” if what it described as “the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour” towards foreigners is not addressed.
Abuja also announced plans to seek compensation for Nigerian citizens who fled South Africa, saying it had begun documenting businesses and properties abandoned by its nationals.
However, South African Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni rejected the compensation demand during a media briefing on Friday.
She said Nigerians who left South Africa could sell any legally registered properties on the local market. Ntshavheni also made controversial remarks, saying authorities would like to know “where the drug dens of Nigerians are” so police could shut them down.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the comments, describing them as “unacceptable”.
“Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech,” the ministry said.
Nigeria also accused South African protest groups, including Operation Dudula and March and March, of inciting violence and hatred against other Africans.
The ministry warned that those responsible could face regional and international legal action, although it did not specify whether it intended to raise the matter with the African Union.
Several anti-migrant groups had given undocumented foreigners until 30 June to leave South Africa. Ahead of the deadline, countries including Ghana, Malawi and Nigeria repatriated some of their citizens.
South Africa continues to grapple with one of the world’s highest unemployment rates, exceeding 30%, fuelling anti-migrant sentiment in recent months.
Despite these challenges, Africa’s most industrialised economy remains a major destination for migrants from across the continent seeking employment, often in low-paying jobs.
