By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Nigeria has become the latest regional power to confront South Africa over persistent xenophobic violence, joining Ghana in a high-level diplomatic push to protect West African nationals. The federal government has officially summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner to address a surge in targeted attacks against Nigerian citizens and their businesses. This move follows a series of violent incidents and anti-immigrant demonstrations that have gripped South Africa in recent weeks. Nigeria intends to formally convey its “profound concern” during a scheduled meeting on Monday, warning that these recurring hostilities have the potential to damage established relations between the two continental powers.
Escalating Attacks and Casualties
The summons comes amid reports of rising fatalities and property destruction. Recent data indicates that at least two Nigerians and four Ethiopians have been killed during this latest wave of unrest. Beyond the loss of life, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted “documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian nationals and attacks on their businesses.” The violence has not been limited to Nigerians, as citizens from various other African nations have also reported being targeted by local mobs and organized groups. This surge in violence has led analysts to express concern that the South African government has not yet been able to effectively “nip this scourge in the bud.”
Roots of Domestic Discontent
South Africa remains the most industrialized economy on the continent, acting as a magnet for those seeking economic opportunity. Currently, the nation hosts approximately 2.4 million migrants, representing nearly 4% of the population. However, many South Africans accuse foreign nationals of entering the country illegally and competing for scarce jobs. Some locals further allege links between migrant communities and organized crime, specifically drug trafficking. These frustrations have fueled the rise of anti-immigrant groups that now patrol public spaces.
Vigilantism in Public Spaces
Recent weeks have seen a marked increase in grassroots vigilantism. Anti-immigrant groups have begun stopping individuals outside hospitals and schools to demand identity documentation. During a recent march in Pretoria, organizers pressured foreign-owned businesses to shutter their doors to avoid violence. The atmosphere of intimidation has left many African migrants feeling betrayed by their neighbors. One Nigerian man expressed his grief to BBC Pidgin, stating: “It is not okay because we are blacks, we are brothers… everybody comes here just to survive.”
Pretoria’s Stance and the Rule of Law
The South African government has defended its commitment to the rule of law while acknowledging the “legitimate concerns” of its citizens regarding illegal migration. In a statement from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), officials urged the public not to take the law into their own hands. Acting government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa stated that any form of vigilante justice constitutes a violation of the law, emphasizing that the “responsibility to enforce immigration laws rests solely with duly authorised State institutions.” To address these systemic pressures, the Department of Home Affairs has increased deportations by 46% over the last two years and is hiring 10,000 additional labor inspectors to ensure workplace compliance. The Police Ministry has further vowed to apprehend those inciting xenophobic acts, maintaining that “acts of lawlessness have no place in our constitutional democracy.”
Historical Ironies and Continental Support
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence while simultaneously urging foreign nationals to respect local regulations. During his Freedom Day address, Ramaphosa reminded citizens of the critical support other African nations provided during the struggle against apartheid. Despite this historical context, the fear among the migrant population is palpable. A security guard who was blocked from working by protesters told the BBC: “It’s not what we expected as fellow Africans.” He added a poignant reflection on the state of the continent: “It’s just making us scared – imagine if we’re scared in our own African continent – what if we go to Europe?”
Cultural Tensions Trigger Backlash
Specific cultural events have exacerbated existing local anxieties. In the port city of KuGompo, the installation of a Nigerian community leader in a traditional role translated as “king” sparked significant backlash. Local residents interpreted the move as an attempt by foreigners to seize political power within South African borders. This incident followed a similar diplomatic row with Ghana, which also summoned South Africa’s envoy after footage emerged of a Ghanaian man being harassed by locals over his immigration status.
West African Solidarity and the Ghanaian Response
The diplomatic tension has resonated deeply in Accra, where Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa recently summoned South Africa’s envoy. The move was prompted by viral footage of a Ghanaian national being harassed and ordered to “fix his country” rather than reside in South Africa. Ghanaian officials have demanded a full-scale investigation into these incidents, calling them “totally unacceptable and condemnable.” This unified stance from Nigeria and Ghana signals a growing regional intolerance for the mistreatment of West African nationals. As tensions mount, some civil society leaders in Ghana are now debating whether their citizens should consider a voluntary return home to ensure their safety.
Nigerian Government Response and Call for Calm
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains under pressure to protect its diaspora. Spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed the envoy must appear on Monday, May 4, 2026. The ministry noted that “discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.” The ministry is aware of the “growing discontent among Nigerians” regarding these developments. Despite the severity of the situation, the ministry “implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the federal government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.”
Balancing Regional Stability and Human Rights
The upcoming meeting in Abuja represents a critical juncture for Pan-African relations, as both nations seek to balance domestic pressures with the need for continental unity. While South Africa faces internal socioeconomic challenges, the international community and fellow African states are increasingly calling for more robust protections for vulnerable migrant populations. The resolution of this diplomatic friction will likely depend on South Africa’s ability to match its condemnations of violence with concrete security measures on the ground.
