Xenophobia: Nigeria summons South Africa’s envoy over continued attacks on citizens

*The Nigerian Government summons the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to a meeting Monday, May 4, in Abuja, over renewed anti-foreigner protests and attacks on Nigerians in the Southern African country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to renewed anti-foreigner protests and attacks on innocent individuals, the Nigerian Government has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to a meeting Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Abuja, FCT.

ConsumerConnect reports there have been increasing concerns over a renewed wave of anti-foreigner protests and violent, xenophobic attacks, targeting Nigerian citizens and their businesses in the Southern African country.

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The Federal Government said the invitation of the South African envoy would enable the Nigerian authorities to formally register their strong displeasure over developments regarded as threatening the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between both African countries.

Forming the core of the proposed meeting with the envoy are recent anti-foreigner demonstrations by various groups in South Africa.

The development has degenerated into harassment, violence, and destruction of foreign-owned businesses, many of which belong to Nigerians resident in South Africa, according to reports.

Subsequently, the incidents have triggered widespread anger among Nigerians, amid fears for the safety of thousands living and working in the Southern African country.

Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Ministry, Saturday, May 2, said the Nigerian Government was deeply worried about the implications of the civil unrest on bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

Ebienfa stated that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad while pursuing diplomatic solutions to the xenophobic attacks in its citizens.

Meanwhile, amid the renewed attacks on Nigerians, and other foreigners, and the attendant rising tension, the Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain calm.

The West African country also assured the citizens that there are on ongoing efforts at the highest diplomatic levels to address the situation and ensure the safety and dignity of its nationals.

It is recalled that Nigeria and South Africa share one of Africa’s most strategic bilateral relationships, entrenched in a history of solidarity dating back to Nigeria’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle in the Southern African country.

However, relations have repeatedly come under strain due to recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa in recent years.

Checks indicated that major incidents in 2008, 2015 and 2019 recorded widespread attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, leading to deaths, looting and destruction of property in the process.

In addressing past crises, both countries had established diplomatic mechanisms, including an early warning system and joint consular forums, aimed at preventing further violence and protecting citizens, report said.

Despite such measures, reports showed that sporadic tensions and anti-immigrant sentiments have persisted, often fuelled by local grievances over unemployment and crime.

Diplomatic relations experts have warned that the current developments, if not swiftly contained, could once again, test diplomatic ties between Africa’s two largest economies and undermine regional integration efforts under frameworks such as the African Union (AU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), according to report.

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