Nigeria has evacuated another 106 citizens from South Africa amid renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants. The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Friday, October 2. This evacuation follows the return of 105 Nigerians on September 24 and is partly funded by $265,854 donated by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
The evacuation comes two days after an anti-migrant group’s deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa expired. The development follows months of anti-immigration protests across South Africa. A similar deadline was issued in June, after which thousands participated in protests that were followed by incidents of violence and looting.
South African police said about 900 people were arrested, mainly over immigration-related offences and looting. The authorities have warned against vigilantism, stressing that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of government agencies and that only authorised officials can conduct checks on migrants.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over what it described as persistent xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. Ministry spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said Nigeria would continue diplomatic engagement with Pretoria to address the situation.
Nigeria had earlier completed five phases of a voluntary evacuation programme, bringing home 1,490 citizens on flights operated by Air Peace and South African Airways. Other African countries have also repatriated citizens amid the tensions. Malawi reported returning more than 38,000 nationals, while Zimbabwe reported more than 21,000.
South African authorities said more than 53,000 foreign nationals were being processed for deportation or repatriation as of July 11, with Malawians, Zimbabweans and Mozambicans accounting for most of the cases. The latest evacuation adds to diplomatic concerns between Nigeria and South Africa, as Abuja continues to press Pretoria to ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.
The RCCG donation also supported the evacuation of 100 Nigerians in the previous exercise. Nigeria has urged Pretoria to protect its citizens, while South African authorities insist that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of government agencies and warn against attacks on foreign nationals.
Key points
- Nigeria evacuates 106 more citizens from South Africa amid escalating anti-migrant tensions.
- The evacuation was partly funded by $265,854 donated by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
- Nigeria and South Africa have experienced strained diplomatic relations due to xenophobic attacks.
