Some Nigerians living in South Africa have reportedly begun taking steps to protect themselves as renewed xenophobic tensions raise fears of fresh attacks on foreign nationals.
The development comes despite the Federal Government’s ongoing voluntary evacuation programme for Nigerians wishing to return home.
A video circulating on social media showed a tense standoff between a group identified as Nigerians and South African protesters, with police officers positioned between both sides to prevent violence. Some of the Nigerians were seen carrying cutlasses and other light weapons, while a gunshot could also be heard in the footage. The circumstances surrounding the incident have not been independently verified.
Nigeria launched the evacuation exercise in June following renewed anti-immigrant violence in parts of South Africa. The latest batch of 271 evacuees arrived in Lagos on Friday, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated in four batches to more than 600. Officials had earlier disclosed that over 1,000 Nigerians registered for voluntary repatriation, with more evacuation flights expected.
However, some Nigerians have chosen to remain in South Africa despite the security concerns.
The latest unrest follows the expiration of an unofficial June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigrant groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.
One of the groups leading the campaign, March and March, has accused undocumented migrants of taking jobs and putting pressure on public services. Addressing supporters in Durban before the deadline expired, the group’s leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, called for the mass deportation of undocumented migrants.
Following the deadline, protesters reportedly targeted homes and hotels where foreign nationals were believed to be staying. Videos shared online showed frightened families being forced out of their homes by angry crowds.
South African police confirmed that at least four foreign nationals – two Mozambicans, one Ethiopian and one Malawian were killed during the latest outbreak of anti-immigrant violence.
The attacks have prompted several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, to organise voluntary evacuation programmes for their citizens.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly condemned the attacks and urged South African authorities to protect Nigerians living in the country. Through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, citizens have also been advised to remain calm, avoid areas experiencing unrest and report any threats to the appropriate security agencies.
