Nigeria is preparing voluntary repatriation flights for its nationals in South Africa as xenophobic violence against foreign Africans escalates. Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu announced that 130 Nigerians have already registered to return home, with numbers expected to rise. The minister also summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner and formally conveyed Nigeria’s “profound concern,” citing the killing of two Nigerians by local security personnel and widespread attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses. The diplomatic fallout extends beyond Nigeria: Ghana previously summoned South Africa’s envoy, and four Ethiopian nationals have also been killed in recent weeks. While South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence, anti-immigrant groups continue stopping people outside hospitals and schools, demanding identity documents. Tensions peaked recently over the controversial “installation” of a Nigerian traditional leader in KuGompo, which local residents saw as a political power grab.
BBC
