ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria has accused South African authorities of bearing potential criminal liability in the deaths of its citizens during recent anti-foreigner violence, warning that it is prepared to pursue regional and international legal action to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
According to Bloomberg, the Nigerian government has sharply escalated its diplomatic response following the deaths of Nigerian nationals amid growing anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa. The dispute threatens to place renewed strain on relations between Africa’s two largest economies.
In a strongly worded statement issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government argued that the repeated attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals point to a broader pattern of violence that cannot be ignored.
The ministry said the available evidence gathered by Nigerian diplomatic missions “lays the grounds for criminal liability,” suggesting that South African authorities could bear responsibility under international law if they fail to prevent or properly investigate attacks on foreign nationals.
Nigeria also warned that it would work through regional and international mechanisms to ensure that individuals and groups responsible for inciting or carrying out violence against foreigners are held accountable.
Calls for Justice
The Nigerian government called on South African authorities to urgently investigate the deaths of its citizens and prosecute those responsible without delay. Abuja also demanded full transparency in ongoing investigations and access to legal processes for the victims’ families.
Officials expressed concern that the latest killings occurred amid a rise in anti-immigrant demonstrations in parts of South Africa, where some protest groups have blamed undocumented migrants for unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services.
Nigeria argued that law-abiding Nigerians have increasingly become targets of violence and warned against portraying all Nigerian nationals as criminals.
Diplomatic Tensions Deepen
According to Bloomberg, Nigeria has already summoned South Africa’s diplomatic representative to express what it described as its “profound concern” over attacks against its citizens, warning that the violence risks undermining the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
The Nigerian government also criticized inflammatory public remarks that it said have contributed to hostility toward foreigners and warned that individuals or organizations accused of encouraging xenophobic violence could face scrutiny under regional and international legal frameworks.
Background of Xenophobic Violence
South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of anti-immigrant violence over the past two decades, with foreign nationals from across Africa frequently becoming targets during periods of economic hardship and social unrest.
Recent demonstrations have prompted several African governments, including Nigeria, to raise concerns about the safety of their citizens living in South Africa. Some countries have repatriated nationals while urging Pretoria to strengthen protections for foreign residents.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Nigeria says it expects South African authorities to take decisive action to investigate the killings, prosecute those responsible, and ensure the safety of foreign nationals living in the country. Failure to do so, Abuja warned, could lead to further regional and international efforts to seek accountability.