By Victor Fanuel
ABUJA, Nigeria – At least 130 Nigerian nationals in South Africa have requested government-assisted repatriation following a wave of anti-immigrant protests, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said on Sunday.
They are the first applicants under a newly launched evacuation support programme, as Abuja expressed concern that tensions in South Africa could escalate further.
Last week, protests erupted in Pretoria and Johannesburg, where demonstrators called for stricter enforcement against illegal immigration.
Protesters argued that undocumented foreign nationals were placing additional pressure on jobs, security, and public services.
Migrant rights advocates, however, say foreigners are frequently scapegoated for South Africa’s economic challenges, warning that such rhetoric has in the past fuelled xenophobic violence.
South Africa has previously pledged to crack down on xenophobic attacks following reports from several African countries, including Ghana, alleging assaults and discrimination against their citizens.
Further demonstrations are scheduled for May 4 and May 8, with Nigerian authorities saying they are closely monitoring the situation.
The Nigerian government has already summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner in Abuja over the unrest.
It also says its diplomatic missions in South Africa are working with local authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens.
