Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa to set up a crisis notification unit. This action responds to a sharp increase in xenophobic attacks. These attacks have created a dangerous climate for African nationals. The unit aims to protect Nigerian citizens facing threats.
The directive follows discussions between Nigeria's Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and her South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola. The new unit will act as a direct support system for citizens in danger. Nigerians in volatile areas like Durban have been advised to close businesses and stay indoors for their safety. Nigeria had previously summoned South Africa's Acting High Commissioner. This was to demand answers about the deaths of two Nigerians. They were allegedly attacked by South African security forces.
This diplomatic tension stems from Nigeria's commitment to protecting its people abroad. Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated Nigeria cannot passively watch the mistreatment and extra-judicial killings of its nationals. She stressed that evacuating citizens wanting to return home is a top priority. This situation adds to concerns about foreign national safety in South Africa. South Africa has a history of similar incidents impacting various African communities. The economic implications for trade and investment between both nations are significant.
Nigeria is pushing South Africa for more than just safety measures. It is demanding better prosecution of crimes against Nigerians. Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged South African police and courts to treat cases of extra-judicial killings with more urgency. She called for clear and swift consequences for perpetrators. This reflects a broader trend of accountability demands from African nations regarding their citizens' rights.
The Nigerian government is also questioning the term 'xenophobia'. Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu suggested the attacks might be better described as 'Afriphobia'. This is because the hostility appears specifically directed at black Africans. She warned that violent rhetoric from groups like Operation Dudula could endanger South African interests in Nigeria. These groups often advocate for the removal of foreign nationals.
The crisis extends to vulnerable groups. Nigerian students and children of mixed Nigerian-South African heritage face bullying in schools. They are reportedly told to go back to their home countries. These incidents cause trauma to young minds. While South Africa's minister acknowledged the need to protect children, concerns remain. Hostility on the ground has not significantly decreased.
This situation has prompted a wider regional response. Ghana has officially written to the African Union. It calls for an urgent continental discussion on the safety of Africans in South Africa. Ghana views the current climate as a serious risk. This follows viral footage of a Ghanaian national being harassed. Ghana has already helped its targeted citizens return home safely. Other nations like Mozambique, Kenya, Malawi, and Zimbabwe have also voiced concerns. Their leaders have met with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa. They urged for calm and the preservation of African unity.
Nigeria's House of Representatives has also condemned the attacks. They have suggested imposing economic sanctions. Lawmakers proposed temporarily stopping business permits for South African companies operating in Nigeria. This highlights the potential economic fallout of these tensions.