By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
The Nigerian government has issued a sharp rebuke to South Africa following the deaths of two Nigerian nationals on June 28. Officials in Abuja say these incidents occurred as foreign residents face a surge of xenophobic hostility. The foreign ministry reported that Emeka Charles Iroegbu was killed in Pretoria by police officers reportedly using “gruesome interrogation techniques.” On the same day, assailants attacked and killed shop owner Musa Yunana Joe in the city of eMalahleni. Nigeria also cited the April 20 death of Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong in Pretoria, noting that his case remains unresolved despite the identification of the involved officers.
Allegations of targeted violence and state complicity
Nigerian authorities argue that these deaths are not isolated occurrences. They suggest a broader pattern of victimization against their citizens. Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa noted that “these two killings come at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa.” The government stated that the situation “raises questions about deliberate attempts by some elements to wrongfully generalise and label well-meaning, hard-working, and respectable Nigerians as criminals.” Abuja has further warned that the involvement of security personnel in such incidents points to potential state responsibility under international law.
Rising anti-migrant sentiment and protests
South Africa has experienced intense public pressure regarding migration as the nation grapples with unemployment rates exceeding 30%. Various protest groups, including Operation Dudula and March on March, have organized large-scale demonstrations. These groups contend that undocumented migrants strain public services and compete for local jobs. The volatility has led to widespread repatriations, with several African nations—including Nigeria, Ghana, and Malawi—evacuating hundreds of their citizens to escape the unrest. Foreign-born residents currently make up approximately 5% of South Africa’s 63 million people.
Diplomatic friction and hate speech concerns
Tensions escalated following remarks by South African cabinet minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. Regarding foreigners departing the country, she stated, “We would be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are, so they can show us where they have been holding the drugs so we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently.”
Nigeria’s foreign ministry condemned this rhetoric as “unacceptable.” Officials emphasized that “such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech” that can incite further violence. Abuja has placed the South African government on notice, warning that if this “uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour” persists, “all options remain on the table.” While Nigeria seeks compensation for citizens who have abandoned businesses and properties, the South African cabinet has stated that it will not provide government compensation, advising that individuals may instead sell registered properties on the open market.
Expanding regional crisis regarding citizen safety
This diplomatic strain is compounded by parallel tensions involving other West African states. Ghana is now concurrently seeking accountability for the death of Kwabena Boagen, a 35-year-old Ghanaian citizen, in Cape Town. While the Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs initially linked the killing to anti-immigrant protests on June 30, South African authorities rejected this as “factually incorrect.” Pretoria maintains that the victim was shot on June 29 in the Nyanga township during an extortion-related incident. With the South African Police Service stating no fatalities occurred during the June 30 demonstrations, they have challenged Accra to provide evidence for its claims. Accra, meanwhile, remains firm in its demand for a transparent investigation into the safety of its citizens.
Demands for justice and accountability
The Nigerian government is now seeking formal investigations into the recent deaths and previous cases of alleged extrajudicial killings. While Pretoria has yet to provide an official response to the latest diplomatic pressure, Nigerian authorities maintain that they are documenting losses incurred by their citizens. Additionally, Abuja has warned that leaders of protest groups who incite violence against Africans could eventually face regional and international legal action. Despite the mounting pressure, the Nigerian government has urged its citizens within South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while continuing the evacuation process for those seeking to return home.
Regional implications for African unity
The escalating tension carries significant weight across the continent, particularly as West African nations like Ghana and Nigeria grapple with the safety of their diasporas in the south. For many across Africa, this situation challenges the long-standing ideals of the African Union, which prioritizes continental integration and the free movement of people. Leaders and civil society groups in the region are closely watching these developments, wary that failure to resolve this dispute diplomatically could weaken the spirit of African brotherhood and economic cooperation. Achieving a peaceful resolution is now a vital test for regional leadership and the commitment to protecting the rights of all Africans, regardless of their borders.
