Barely hours before a reported deadline for Nigerian nationals and other foreigners to leave South Africa amid xenophobic tensions, a migration expert has warned of serious consequences if the Nigerian government fails to act swiftly. Dr Kudus Adebayo of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, said Nigerians in South Africa fall into two categories: those eager to leave and those who prefer to remain. For those willing to return, there should be no delay in facilitating their evacuation.
Stranded Nigerians face security concerns
According to Dr Adebayo, as Nigerians congregate at specific locations in South Africa, the risk of attack is high. “A lot of people have prepared and are stranded, but are unable to leave because they are waiting on the government. The interesting thing is that they are already assembled at a location. This means that those spaces where they are assembled, waiting to be evacuated, are potential target spaces because we don’t know the kind of violence mobilisation that is being planned towards the deadline given by the xenophobic attackers. It means that a lot of security has to be put in place to protect those who have gathered in those spaces,” he added.
Government urged to coordinate its response
The migration scholar worried that nobody knows the kind of preparation made by the Nigerian government to protect its citizens from the imminent attacks of xenophobia. For the families at home, Dr Adebayo noted that there is perplexity: “As for the families back home, they are perplexed because they don’t know what might happen to those who have chosen to stay in South Africa against all odds and even those who are now stranded.” He urged the Nigerian government to adopt an integrated framework, working with community leaders, peace associations, and diaspora groups to ensure calm and accelerate the return of willing migrants.
Expert criticises South Africa’s xenophobia response
Dr Adebayo argued that the South African government’s subtle tolerance of xenophobia is concerning. “There is no alternative to xenophobia other than having a policy that addresses the anomaly and ensures it is ceased. In that case, the Nigerian state must continually invoke the rules and principles that state the obligations of the South African government as a member of the United Nations and the African Union. They must do the right thing by protecting foreigners within their borders. If you say these people are undocumented, there are procedures to address that. You cannot shift that responsibility to mob action. It means the Nigerian government must continue to pressure the South African government to do the right thing under international law and protect the freedom of movement and people’s rights to life and property, while working to get people out.”
Ramaphosa speaks on South Africa's migrant tensions
Earlier, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa warned against threats and intimidation as anti-migrant tensions rise ahead of the June 30 deadline. He said immigration concerns must be addressed through lawful processes, not violence or ultimatums from activist groups.
