Diplomacy: Tensions rise as xenophobic flare-ups unsettle Nigerians, others in South Africa

*Community leaders urge the Nigerian Government’s urgent diplomatic intervention in regard to recent reports of xenophobic attacks, harassment, and restrictions allegedly spearheaded by ‘Operation Dudula’, an anti-migrant group accused of targeting foreigners, including Nigerians, and other migrants in South Africa

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Nigerians living in South Africa (SA) have raised fresh concerns over renewed xenophobic threats, following intense hostilities from the so-called “Operation Dudula”, an anti-migrant group accused of targeting foreigners in the Southern African country.

ConsumerConnect reports community leaders have urged the Nigerian Government for urgent diplomatic intervention, based on latest reports of racist attacks, harassment, and restrictions purportedly spearheaded by the disruptive group.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa 

In a widely circulated video, a leader of “Operation Dudula” was ordering non-South Africans to leave a public hospital, a report said.

The gang leader reportedly said: “If you know yourself that you are not a South African, please stand up. Stand up right now. Don’t try us because we are going to check everybody.”

The said video, which showed foreigners being marched out of the facility, has sparked outrage and heightened fears of another wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa.

Report also indicated that Operation Dudula, reportedly founded as “a grassroots movement” now claims to be tackling illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and the perceived loss of jobs and services to “undocumented migrants” in the Southern African country.

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However, human rights groups have since accused the gang members of engaging in vigilantism, blocking hospitals, inspecting businesses, and harassing innocent immigrants.

Expert: Continued harassment may damage ties between Nigeria, SA

Commenting on the disturbing diplomatic issues with immigrants in South African, Goodluck Emmanuel, an Abuja-based international relations expert, who echoed these concerns, noted that unchecked harassment could damage ties between Africa’s two largest economies.

Emmanuel reportedly said: “What we are witnessing is not just harassment of migrants, but a direct threat to bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa.

“When Nigerians are marched out of hospitals or denied access to basic services, it sends a message that South Africa is unable or unwilling to protect foreign nationals on its soil.”

The expert also opined that xenophobic flare-ups have previously provoked retaliatory actions in Nigeria, threatening trade, investment, and cultural cooperation between the two African economies.

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He averred: “Diplomacy must be proactive, not reactive and if Abuja and Pretoria fail to act swiftly, these tensions could escalate into another cycle of violence with far-reaching consequences for regional stability.”

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In response to the flare-ups against foreigners, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Abuja, through Kimiebi Ebienfa, has confirmed that African ambassadors in South Africa are already in talks with the government to address the crisis, report said.

Ebienfa noted the “Group of African Ambassadors in South Africa are engaging the South African Government.”

Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), as well described the hospital incident as isolated, but confirmed that investigations are ongoing, according to report.

Balogun stated: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ambassadors in South Africa are investigating the matter.”

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