Nigeria-South Africa tensions escalate amid anti-foreigner wave

Nigeria has threatened retaliatory measures against South Africa after Abuja began repatriating hundreds of its citizens this week amid allegations of xenophobic attacks by South African protesters. Diplomatic tensions between the two nations have escalated since the latest wave of violent anti-immigration demonstrations by thousands of South Africans, who are calling for strict mass deportation measures.

South Africa has long attracted migrants from across the continent, both legally and illegally. According to Statistics South Africa data, the number of foreigners in the country was 2.4 million in 2022, accounting for about 3.7% of the total population of 65 million. However, many South Africans believe the large number of illegal immigrants contributes to unemployment and strains public services.

There have been three waves of anti-immigration protests since 2008, all turning violent, causing casualties and looting of shops and other property. Much of the anger targets citizens of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria and Ghana. Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu accused the South African government of failing to strongly condemn the violence against Nigerian nationals, damaging the close ties between the two countries dating back to Nigeria's support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle.

At least two Nigerian men died in April during the latest wave of violence. One, Amaramiro Emmanuel, was killed after being beaten by South African National Defence Force officers on April 20. The other, Ekpenyong Andrew, was arrested in Pretoria before being found dead in a mortuary. Ms. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigerians were being 'harassed' even with legal status, legitimate businesses ransacked, and children forced out of school. 'The police are doing nothing,' she added. At least 1,000 Nigerians are expected to be repatriated this week, but the number is rising.

In a speech on Sunday evening, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new measures to address illegal immigration. Employers hiring undocumented workers will face prison sentences rather than just fines. Specialized courts will be established to expedite deportations, and a biometric database of 'everyone in the country' will be created. Mr. Ramaphosa warned South Africans not to take matters into their own hands, stressing that state authorities are responsible for enforcing immigration law.

Nigeria is considering retaliatory measures against South Africa. Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu said such a decision was 'not off the table' and must be made at the highest level of government. Previously, angry mobs have targeted South African businesses in Nigeria. However, a Nigerian police spokesman warned against attacking South Africans in the country.

Xenophobic attacks are fueled by high unemployment, crime, and social inequality – lingering consequences of apartheid. Experts say frustration is being vented on foreigners, seen as stealing economic opportunities. The rise of vigilante groups like Operation Dudula and March and March is further stoking anti-immigration sentiment. Politics also plays a role, with right-wing groups like the Patriotic Alliance portraying immigrants negatively. Ghana was the first country to begin repatriating its citizens, with at least 1,000 brought back. Mozambique has also repatriated over 700 citizens, with five killed in xenophobic attacks.

On social media, some anti-immigration activists have set June 30 as a deadline for all illegal foreigners to leave South Africa, threatening 'bloodshed' if compliance is not met. However, the government has set no such deadline. This is not the first time tensions have flared between the two countries. In 2008, attacks left 62 dead. In 2015, seven died after remarks by the Zulu King. In 2019, 12 died in attacks in Johannesburg, prompting Nigeria to close its embassy.