Nigeria Summons South African Envoy Over Rising Xenophobic Attacks

Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner over rising xenophobic attacks against migrants in South Africa. The move follows concerns raised by countries including Ghana, while South Africa has condemned the violence and promised action to protect foreign nationals.

Nigeria has formally summoned the acting high commissioner of South Africa to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, in response to escalating concerns over anti-migrant sentiment and reported xenophobic incidents affecting African nationals in South Africa.
According to diplomatic sources, Nigeria’s action reflects growing unease across the continent about repeated episodes of hostility toward foreign nationals, particularly migrants from other African countries living and working in South Africa. The meeting is expected to focus on clarifying South Africa’s position, seeking stronger protections for migrants, and preventing further deterioration of diplomatic relations.
This development comes shortly after Ghana held similar consultations with South African diplomatic representatives in Accra, where it raised concerns over alleged xenophobic incidents involving Ghanaian citizens. These coordinated diplomatic engagements signal a widening regional concern over the safety and treatment of African migrants in South Africa.
At the center of the tensions are ongoing anti-immigrant protests and public demonstrations in South Africa, where foreign nationals—especially those from other African nations—have reportedly faced harassment, intimidation, and in some cases violence. Some protests have targeted informal businesses owned by migrants, leading to looting and disruption in affected communities. There have also been reports of heightened tensions at border areas, including potential restrictions or protests linked to neighboring countries such as Mozambique.
South African authorities have repeatedly responded to these incidents with strong statements condemning xenophobia. Government officials, including the police ministry, have emphasized that acts of violence, intimidation, and looting against foreign nationals are criminal offenses and will not be tolerated. They have also warned that such behavior undermines public order and the country’s constitutional principles.
The root of the unrest is widely linked to South Africa’s severe economic pressures, particularly its high unemployment rate, which exceeds 30%. Analysts and civil society groups argue that economic frustration has contributed to resentment toward migrants, who are sometimes wrongly blamed for taking jobs or straining public resources. Rights advocates, however, stress that migrants often contribute positively to the economy by filling labor gaps and running small businesses.
There is also growing concern about the role of political rhetoric and online mobilization. Commentators, including journalists and analysts, have warned that some political actors are amplifying anti-migrant sentiment for influence, using unemployment and inequality as tools to gain public support. This has reportedly contributed to increased polarization and sporadic outbreaks of violence.
The situation has drawn international attention. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concern over rising xenophobic attacks and warned against all forms of violence, harassment, and hate speech targeting migrants. He reiterated that such actions are incompatible with democratic governance and human rights standards.
South African officials, including Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, have acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, describing violence against migrants as a threat to the country’s constitutional order. The police ministry has also reiterated its commitment to cracking down on xenophobic acts and ensuring accountability for perpetrators.
Overall, the situation reflects a growing diplomatic and humanitarian concern across Africa, with Nigeria’s summons marking another step in regional efforts to pressure South Africa to strengthen protections for migrants and address the underlying social and economic tensions fueling unrest.