Nigerians Advised Against Confrontation As Xenophobic Protests Loom In South Africa

The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has released a public notice cautioning Nigerian residents in South Africa to avoid any engagement with demonstrators amid xenophobic protests scheduled for Monday.

Consul General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche disclosed in a Sunday statement that the consulate had received intelligence indicating that anti-foreigner groups had circulated invitations urging South Africans to participate in a nationwide shutdown spanning all nine provinces, with the aim of pressuring the government to act against foreign nationals in the country.

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According to Okey-Uche, the organizers claim that foreigners derive more benefits from South Africa than its own citizens, and are calling for the immediate departure of all foreign nationals documented or otherwise.

“In light of the foregoing, all Nigerian nationals are strongly advised to avoid engaging any demonstrators or confronting them,” the statement said.

“Rather, all are advised to monitor local media as well as adopt necessary safety precautions.”

The consulate further called on Nigerian business owners to shut their shops during the march, cautioning that the demonstrations could turn violent.

It also appealed to Nigerian citizens to remain calm and law-abiding, while reaffirming its dedication to serving Nigerians and safeguarding their wellbeing in South Africa.

The advisory follows an escalation of xenophobic tensions in South Africa, with at least two Nigerian nationals reported killed in the unrest.

On the diplomatic front, Nigeria’s federal government summoned Bobby Moroe, South Africa’s acting high commissioner to Nigeria, for talks on Monday over the anti-foreigner violence targeting Nigerian residents and businesses in the country.