Nigeria Summons South African Envoy Over Xenophobic Attacks: A Deep Dive into the Crisis and Its Regional Implications

Nigeria’s government has summoned South Africa’s top diplomat in Abuja over attacks on foreigners in the country, the foreign ministry said Saturday. This diplomatic move underscores the escalating tensions between Africa’s two largest economies and highlights a recurring crisis that threatens regional stability and cooperation.

Background: The Roots of Xenophobia in South Africa

South Africa, the continent’s most industrialized economy, has long been a destination for both legal and undocumented African workers. However, the country’s high unemployment rate—over 30 percent—has fueled repeated spurts of xenophobic and anti-migrant protests, including renewed violence in recent weeks. These attacks are not new; they date back to at least 2008, when over 60 people were killed in a wave of violence targeting foreign nationals. The underlying causes are complex, including economic inequality, competition for scarce jobs, and political rhetoric that scapegoats immigrants for social ills.

South Africa’s acting high commissioner in Abuja is set to meet with Nigerian officials Monday for discussions on “documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses,” foreign ministry spokesman Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said. This meeting is part of a broader diplomatic effort to address the crisis, but it also raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures in preventing future violence.

Regional Reactions: Ghana Joins the Diplomatic Push

The summons comes a week after Ghana’s foreign ministry called in South Africa’s acting high commissioner in Accra over several “xenophobic incidents” against Ghanaians. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa spoke of an incident in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province in which a Ghanaian, “a legal resident, was confronted… (and) instructed to leave South Africa and ‘fix his country’.” The statement also warned of “escalating tensions, with foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, being advised to remain indoors for their safety.”

This coordinated diplomatic response from Nigeria and Ghana—two of Africa’s most influential nations—signals a growing frustration with South Africa’s inability to protect foreign nationals. It also reflects a shift in African diplomacy, where bilateral pressure is being used to address systemic issues rather than relying solely on multilateral forums like the African Union.

The Scale of the Crisis: Statistics and Human Impact

There are more than three million foreigners living in South Africa, or 5.1 percent of the population, according to the statistics agency. More than 63 percent come from countries in the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc. However, these numbers do not capture the human toll of xenophobic violence. Victims often lose their homes, businesses, and livelihoods, and many face psychological trauma. For example, in 2019, a series of attacks in Johannesburg and Pretoria left at least 12 people dead and forced hundreds to seek shelter in mosques and churches.

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Government Response: Condemnation and Enforcement

South Africa’s acting police minister last week condemned anti-immigrant violence, saying attacks on foreign nationals were “unlawful” and violated the country’s constitutional values of dignity and equality. “Acts of xenophobia, violence, looting, or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Firoz Cachalia said in a statement. Police have “been instructed to act decisively and without hesitation in addressing these incidents,” he added.

While these statements are welcome, critics argue that they lack teeth. Previous promises of enforcement have often failed to prevent further violence, leading to accusations of government complicity or indifference. For instance, during the 2019 attacks, President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the violence but faced criticism for not deploying the military to restore order. The current situation raises similar concerns about the gap between rhetoric and action.

Practical Implications for Foreign Nationals and Businesses

For foreign nationals living in South Africa, the recent violence has created a climate of fear. Many are now taking precautions such as avoiding certain neighborhoods, staying indoors after dark, and forming community watch groups. Business owners, particularly those in retail and informal trade, are facing increased risks of looting and vandalism. Some have even considered relocating to other African countries, such as Botswana or Rwanda, which are perceived as safer.

For Nigerian and Ghanaian governments, the crisis poses a diplomatic challenge. They must balance protecting their citizens abroad with maintaining bilateral relations with South Africa. This has led to a dual strategy of public condemnation and private negotiations, as seen in the summoning of diplomats.

Long-Term Solutions: Addressing Root Causes

To prevent future outbreaks of xenophobic violence, experts recommend a multi-pronged approach. First, South Africa must address its economic challenges, particularly unemployment and inequality, which fuel anti-immigrant sentiment. Second, the government should invest in public education campaigns to counter negative stereotypes about foreign nationals. Third, regional bodies like the African Union and SADC should develop frameworks for protecting migrant rights and promoting integration.

Practical examples from other countries offer lessons. For instance, Rwanda has successfully integrated refugees and migrants through community-based programs and economic incentives. Similarly, Ghana’s “Year of Return” initiative, which welcomed the African diaspora, has fostered a more inclusive national identity. South Africa could adapt these models to its own context.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

The summoning of South Africa’s acting high commissioner by Nigeria and Ghana is a critical step in addressing the xenophobic crisis, but it is not enough. Without sustained diplomatic pressure, economic reforms, and community engagement, the violence is likely to recur. As the continent’s economic powerhouse, South Africa has a responsibility to lead by example—not just in condemning xenophobia, but in actively dismantling the structures that enable it.

AFP

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