The Nigerian government has summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner amid rising xenophobic tensions that have seen migrants targeted in multiple cities, including Pretoria.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials said the envoy had been invited to Abuja for urgent talks following “documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses”.
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The meeting, scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, reflects mounting diplomatic concern over a wave of protests that have intensified in recent days, with reports of harassment, violence and threats directed at foreign nationals across South Africa.
According to accounts from affected communities, protesters have in some instances targeted schools, attempting to block or forcibly remove children of foreign nationals from classrooms — a development that has alarmed both civil society groups and diplomatic missions.
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The unrest has reportedly led to fatalities, including two Nigerians, further heightening anxiety within the diaspora and prompting renewed calls for decisive government intervention.
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the government was “deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of its citizens,” adding that Abuja would pursue “all necessary diplomatic channels to ensure their protection”.
“The Federal Government remains committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of Nigerians abroad,” Ebienfa said. “We urge calm among our citizens while engagements with South African authorities continue.”
Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa’s president, has meanwhile appealed for restraint, calling on foreign nationals to respect local laws while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
“No form of violence or vigilantism will be tolerated,” Ramaphosa said in remarks reported by local media. “South Africa remains a constitutional democracy that protects all who live within its borders.”
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However, critics argue that official responses have often lagged behind recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence, which have periodically strained relations between Africa’s two largest economies.
The latest tensions risk further complicating diplomatic ties that Abuja described as “cordial but under pressure”, warning that continued attacks could erode longstanding bilateral cooperation.
For many Nigerians living in South Africa, the situation remains uncertain. Community leaders say fear is spreading, with some families considering relocation while others call for stronger security guarantees.
As Abuja prepares for high-level talks, the outcome of Monday’s meeting is likely to signal whether diplomatic pressure can translate into concrete protections on the ground — or whether the cycle of violence will persist.
