By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Growing instability and targeted xenophobic violence against foreign nationals in South Africa have ignited a major diplomatic crisis, prompting both Nigeria and Ghana to issue urgent demands for the protection of their citizens. The Nigerian government has formally called on Pretoria to ensure the safety of its diaspora, emphasizing that such protection is a moral and constitutional imperative following the confirmed deaths of two citizens in separate incidents. These fatalities, involving South African security forces, have sent shockwaves through the West African community and triggered a coordinated outcry from regional leadership demanding that South Africa safeguard all foreign nationals within its borders.
South African Government Response and Condemnation
In a statement issued on April 24, 2026, South Africa’s Ministry of Police strongly condemned the attacks as “unlawful” and a direct violation of the country’s constitutional values of dignity and human rights. The Acting Minister of Police emphasized that South Africa is governed by the rule of law and warned that “no individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands.”
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been directed to take decisive action to curb the escalating violence, with authorities announcing a “zero-tolerance” stance on looting, intimidation, and physical assaults. President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking on Freedom Day (April 27), also warned against the rising tide of xenophobia, urging citizens not to turn frustrations over migration into violence while promising that the government would act against those participating in or inciting such acts.
Fatal Encounters Involving Security Personnel
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg identified the deceased as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew. Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche reported that Emmanuel died from injuries sustained after being beaten by members of the South African National Defence Force on April 20. Andrew was apprehended on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria by the Tshwane Metro Police. His body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
Calls for Transparency and Rule of Law
Nigerian officials expressed shock at the involvement of security personnel in these fatalities. The Nigerian mission requested that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. Consul-General Okey-Uche underscored the necessity of legal protocols. “No matter the allegations, there are lawful processes. Everyone should be presumed innocent and granted a fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their hands,” she said.
Growing Hostility and Profiling Concerns
Diplomatic missions are actively opposing the systemic profiling of Nigerians as criminals. The consulate is supporting the families of the victims while investigating the growing trend of targeting foreign nationals. Parallel to these events, an Ethiopian national was shot dead at close range in downtown Johannesburg. CCTV footage of the unprovoked killing at a busy intersection has intensified fears regarding the safety of foreign residents.
Diaspora Community Urges Urgent Intervention
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) voiced alarm over rising harassment and alleged police brutality. NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu described the current climate as one of escalating hostility. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the National Assembly for swift action. Onyekwelu noted that Nigerians are law-abiding members of society and stated that “collective criminalisation must stop.”
South African Government Response and Condemnation
The South African Police Service condemned the recent acts of intimidation as unlawful and contrary to constitutional values of dignity and equality. President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the situation by urging foreign nationals to respect the laws and traditions of the country. However, he reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to human rights and the
rule of law. Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, characterized the situation as under control, describing the events as isolated incidents rather than a coordinated attack.
Regional Instability and Safety Advisories
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission issued safety warnings for citizens in Durban, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal. Reports from these areas include looting, property damage, and physical violence. Groups have used social media to circulate threats and filmed themselves ordering foreign traders to leave. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa noted that Nigeria and South Africa share long-standing historical ties and continue to cooperate across trade, defence, and education.
Ghana Issues National Safety Warnings
The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has similarly urged its citizens to exercise heightened vigilance. Ghanaian shop owners were specifically advised to close their businesses during planned anti-immigrant demonstrations by the “March Organisation.” High Commissioner Benjamin Anani Quashie emphasized the need for discretion. “I urge everyone to continue exercising heightened vigilance and to place the highest priority on personal safety during this period,” the statement said.
Precautionary Measures for Foreign Residents
Ghanaians have been warned to avoid public gatherings and stay away from protest zones near the Presidency. The High Commission advised against sharing provocative content online. “Shop owners are strongly encouraged to close their businesses for the day and avoid areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place,” the mission stated. Further guidance included a directive to “refrain from participating in public gatherings that could escalate into confrontation.”
A Shared Responsibility for Continental Stability
As South Africa marks its Freedom Day, the diplomatic friction serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between domestic policy and continental leadership. Both Pretoria and Abuja have reaffirmed their commitment to the African Union and United Nations frameworks to resolve these tensions. The resolution of these investigations will likely determine the short-term stability of bilateral relations between Africa’s two largest economies.
