Nigeria Demands Action as Xenophobic Attacks Strain Relations with South Africa

By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | July 28,2026

Nigeria has called on South Africa to take stronger and more decisive action to end recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants, warning that the continued violence is placing increasing strain on diplomatic relations between Africa’s two largest economies. 

The concerns were raised during high-level talks in Abuja between Nigerian government officials and a South African delegation led by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola. The meeting was convened after Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed officials to engage South Africa over what Abuja described as persistent “Afrophobic attacks” against African migrants. 

Nigeria Questions South Africa’s Response

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, said his government has observed a troubling pattern of attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.

He argued that many victims were legally residing in the country and should not be subjected to violence because of their nationality. He also expressed concern over reports that, in some cases, law enforcement officers allegedly failed to intervene promptly during attacks, raising questions about the effectiveness of the state’s response. 

According to Nigerian officials, at least 1,490 Nigerians have been evacuated from South Africa following the latest wave of anti-immigrant violence. Nigeria also says dozens of its citizens have been killed in xenophobic attacks over recent years. 

South Africa Rejects Xenophobia

South Africa’s International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola reaffirmed that the South African government does not support xenophobia, racism or discrimination.

He stressed that those responsible for attacks should be prosecuted under the law and said the government remains committed to protecting everyone living within South Africa’s borders, regardless of nationality. Lamola also emphasized that criminal behaviour by individuals should be addressed through the justice system rather than through vigilante violence or collective punishment. 

Growing Regional Concern

The renewed diplomatic tensions come after months of anti-immigrant protests and attacks in several South African communities, where some demonstrators have blamed foreign nationals for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.

Human rights groups and several African governments have repeatedly condemned the violence, warning that innocent migrants are often targeted regardless of their immigration status. 

The issue has also drawn attention in Ghana. Earlier this month, two Ghanaian nationals petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC), asking it to examine whether years of xenophobic violence against foreign nationals in South Africa warrant further investigation. 

A Test for African Unity

The dispute presents another challenge for relations between Nigeria and South Africa, two influential members of the African Union whose cooperation is often viewed as essential to the continent’s political and economic progress.

While both governments have pledged to continue dialogue and preserve their long-standing relationship, the latest wave of violence has renewed calls for stronger protection of migrants and greater regional cooperation to combat xenophobia. 

As African leaders continue to advocate for greater continental integration under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the treatment of migrants within member states is expected to remain a key issue for governments, policymakers and civil society.