South Africans Have Had Enough of Illegal Immigrants

The Nigerian government has summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner following new reports of xenophobic incidents targeting Africans from other countries. The move comes amid growing concern about attacks and threats against migrants in parts of South Africa, where foreigners are being blamed for unemployment and crime.

According to Deutsche Welle, Nigeria’s foreign ministry expressed strong concern over the developments and demanded that South African authorities guarantee the safety of Nigerians living in the country. The government emphasized that it is closely monitoring the situation and expects those responsible for any attacks to be brought to justice.

Tensions have flared up after videos and posts circulated on social media urging foreigners to leave certain areas of South Africa. The incidents have sparked strong reactions in several African countries, where many argue that recurring violence against migrants is damaging relations between countries on the continent.

South African officials have meanwhile tried to downplay reports of organized attacks and asserted that the government opposes all forms of xenophobia. However, authorities have conceded that the situation has caused concern and that security forces are monitoring developments.

The issue is particularly sensitive since Nigeria and South Africa are two of Africa’s largest economies and have long had both cooperation and recurring diplomatic disputes. Previous waves of violence against foreigners in South Africa have led to strong protests in Nigeria and demands for tougher diplomatic action.

Urged to take action

Several other media outlets and regional commentators have also reported increased tensions regarding migration and unemployment in South Africa this spring. The discussion has primarily gained traction on social media, where groups have demanded harsher measures against illegal migrants—something critics say risks fomenting violence and hatred against foreigners.

Organizations working on human rights have warned that the rhetoric could lead to new attacks similar to the violence the country has experienced in previous years. They are now urging South African authorities to act swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating further.