Nigeria Summons South African Envoy Over Attacks on Its Nationals
Nigeria has summoned South Africa's acting High Commissioner in response to a series of recent attacks targeting foreigners in South Africa.
According to a statement from Nigeria's foreign ministry, the country will formally express its "profound concern" during a meeting scheduled for Monday regarding incidents in South Africa that may impact bilateral relations.
The meeting will address recent demonstrations organized by anti-immigrant groups and "documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses," the statement added.
Local media reports indicate that at least two Nigerians and four Ethiopians have been killed in recent weeks, with additional attacks reported against nationals from other African countries.
As Africa's most industrialized nation, South Africa has long attracted migrants from across the continent seeking employment opportunities.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly condemned the attacks but also urged foreigners to respect local laws.
During his Freedom Day address last week, commemorating the country's first democratic elections in 1994, Ramaphosa reminded South Africans of the support provided by other African nations in the fight against apartheid.
However, some South Africans accuse foreigners of residing in the country illegally, taking jobs from locals, and being involved in criminal activities, particularly drug trafficking.
Anti-immigrant groups have been stopping individuals outside hospitals and schools to demand identification papers.
During a recent march by one such group in Pretoria, the capital, foreign-owned businesses were urged to close as a precaution against potential violence.
At that time, a Nigerian man told BBC Pidgin:
"It is not okay because we are blacks, we are brothers... everybody comes here just to survive."
A security guard, unable to attend work due to the protest, told the BBC:
"It's not what we expected as fellow Africans."
"It's just making us scared - imagine if we're scared in our own African continent - what if we go to Europe?"
Last month, Ghana summoned South Africa's top envoy after a widely circulated video showed a Ghanaian man being challenged to prove his immigration status.
Anti-immigrant sentiment intensified earlier this year following reports that the head of the Nigerian community in the port city of KuGompo (formerly East London) had been installed in a traditional role that can be translated as "king." Some local South Africans perceived this as an attempt to gain political influence.
South Africa hosts approximately 2.4 million migrants, representing just under 4% of its population, according to official statistics. However, the actual number is believed to be higher due to undocumented migrants.
Most migrants originate from neighboring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, which have historically supplied labor to South Africa. A smaller proportion come from Nigeria.
Additional reporting by Khanyisile Ngcobo in Johannesburg
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