Dare Babalola
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the reported rise in xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing the incidents as disturbing and unacceptable.
Obi, in a statement issued late Tuesday, expressed sympathy for victims of the violence, particularly Nigerians living in the country, whose safety, businesses and livelihoods he said were under threat.
“I have been observing with deep concern the alarming rise of xenophobic attacks in South Africa. I strongly condemn these acts,” Obi said.
“My thoughts are with all those affected—especially our Nigerian brothers and sisters, whose lives, businesses, and dignity are once again under threat. No African should feel unsafe on African soil, or anywhere else,” he added.
The former Anambra State governor also commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, and the ministry for what he described as their swift intervention on the matter.
“I commend the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mrs Bianca Ojukwu and her Ministry for their swift response to this issue,” he stated.
Obi recalled a previous visit to Nigerians affected during an earlier wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa, saying the experience exposed both the hardship faced by citizens abroad and their resilience.
“I recall my visit to our compatriots during a similar crisis. It was a painful experience that revealed both the suffering and resilience of our people,” he said.
According to him, the recurring incidents should have led to lasting solutions rather than repeated tragedies across the continent.
“It also highlighted a fundamental truth: beyond borders, we share a common identity and destiny as Africans. Such experiences should have inspired lasting solutions, not recurring tragedy,” Obi noted.
He urged South African authorities to take urgent and decisive action to safeguard lives and property, prosecute offenders and restore confidence among affected communities.
“In this regard, I urge the authorities in South Africa to act decisively – to protect lives and property, bring perpetrators to justice, and restore public confidence,” he said.
Obi further stressed that leadership across Africa must reject intolerance and ensure violence has no place in society.
“Leadership must rise to the occasion, making it clear that violence and intolerance have no place in our societies,” he added.
