Dare Babalola
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on the South African government to take urgent action against renewed xenophobic attacks reportedly targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in several communities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed concern over worsening hostility against black foreign nationals despite previous diplomatic efforts between Nigeria and South Africa.
She said expectations that earlier engagements between both countries would calm tensions had not materialised, noting that the situation was instead becoming more troubling.
According to the commission, reports reaching its office indicate that children of Nigerian heritage are now fearful of going to school, while some traders have shut their businesses over threats of violence, looting and harassment.
NiDCOM said fresh incidents had also been recorded within the last three days, raising fears among migrant communities.
The commission urged South African authorities to immediately guarantee the safety of foreign nationals, stressing that such protection is in line with international obligations and African Union agreements.
It also condemned attempts to single out Nigerians for criminal behaviour, insisting that offences should be treated as individual acts rather than used to label an entire nationality.
“Crime has no nationality. Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law,” the statement said.
NiDCOM described the stereotyping of Nigerians and any form of collective punishment as dangerous and unacceptable.
Among measures proposed by the commission were stronger security deployment in affected areas, prosecution of perpetrators, public condemnation of xenophobia, and the creation of a joint Nigeria-South Africa community safety platform.
The agency also advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to obey local laws, remain cautious and avoid unsafe locations, especially during night hours.
It disclosed that it was working closely with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate-General in Johannesburg and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the development.
While condemning the attacks, the commission acknowledged that many South Africans continue to maintain peaceful relations with Nigerians and other migrants.
“We believe in the historical ties that bind both nations and call for calm, restraint, and respect for human life. Nigeria will continue to work diplomatically with South Africa to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of our citizens abroad,” it added.
The latest concerns come amid renewed anti-immigration protests reportedly linked to Operation Dudula, a group accused of targeting African migrants and demanding mass deportations.
The unrest has heightened diplomatic concerns following reports of attacks and killings, with safety warnings said to have been issued to Nigerians living in areas such as Durban, Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had previously urged foreign nationals to obey the country’s laws while reaffirming his government’s commitment to human rights protections.
