Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner following a series of recent attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in South Africa.
According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government will formally express its “profound concern” during a meeting scheduled for Monday. Abuja warned that the incidents could strain diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The discussions are expected to address recent anti-immigrant marches in South Africa, along with documented cases of alleged mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses.
Local media reports say at least two Nigerians and four Ethiopians have been killed in recent weeks, while other African nationals have also been affected by similar violence.
South Africa, Africa’s most industrialised economy, has long attracted migrants from across the continent seeking employment opportunities. However, rising anti-immigrant sentiment has fuelled tensions in several communities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks, while also urging foreign nationals to respect South African laws. In his Freedom Day address, he highlighted the support African countries provided during South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.
Despite this, some South Africans accuse undocumented migrants of taking jobs, straining public services, and being linked to criminal activity, including drug trafficking. In several areas, anti-immigrant groups have reportedly stopped people outside schools and hospitals to demand identity documents.
During a recent protest in Pretoria, foreign-owned businesses were urged to shut down amid fears of violence. Witnesses described growing anxiety among migrant communities.
Nigeria is not the only country raising concerns. Last month, Ghana also summoned South Africa’s top envoy after a video surfaced showing a Ghanaian man being questioned about his immigration status.
South Africa is home to an estimated 2.4 million migrants, many from neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Mozambique, with smaller communities from countries like Nigeria.