Xenophobia: NIDCOM urges South Africa to protect Nigerians, black immigrants

By Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on the government of South Africa to urgently safeguard Nigerians and other black immigrants amid reports of renewed xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Chairman/CEO of the commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed deep concern over what she described as worsening persecution, noting that expectations of a de-escalation following earlier diplomatic engagements have not materialised.

“While many expected a de-escalation of tensions following earlier engagements between both governments, the situation on the ground is deteriorating,” she said.

According to the commission, reports indicate that pupils of Nigerian descent are increasingly afraid to attend school, while business owners have resorted to shutting down operations over fears of targeted attacks, looting and harassment.

Community leaders, it added, have documented fresh incidents of violence and intimidation within the past 72 hours.

NiDCOM appealed to South African authorities to take urgent and visible steps to protect all foreign nationals, in line with international law and African Union protocols on human rights and free movement.

The commission also rejected what it described as the profiling and generalisation of Nigerians, stressing that criminal acts should be treated on an individual basis.

“Crime has no nationality. Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law,” Dabiri-Erewa stated, warning that collective punishment and blanket labelling are unacceptable and dangerous.

NiDCOM outlined key demands, including increased police presence in affected communities, swift arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of xenophobic violence, and the establishment of a joint Nigeria–South Africa community safety forum involving law enforcement, city officials and diaspora leaders.

The commission further called for clear public messaging from South African authorities condemning xenophobia and discouraging stereotyping.

While urging Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas, particularly at night, NiDCOM disclosed that it is in close contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate in Johannesburg, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It, however, commended the majority of South Africans who continue to coexist peacefully with other Africans, reaffirming the longstanding ties between Nigeria and South Africa.

“Nigeria will continue to work diplomatically with South Africa to ensure the safety, dignity and rights of our citizens abroad,” the statement added.

Vanguard News