Nigeria Begins Repatriation from South Africa as Anti-Migrant Tensions Spark Regional Concern

Nigeria has begun evacuating citizens from South Africa amid growing anti-migrant tensions, becoming the latest African country to organise repatriation flights as fears of xenophobic violence spread across the region. The developments have raised concerns for African migrants, including Ghanaians, living and working in Africa’s largest economy.

JOHANNESBURG/LAGOS – Nigeria has started repatriating some of its citizens from South Africa following a rise in anti-migrant sentiment and growing fears over the safety of foreign nationals living in the country. A flight carrying 268 Nigerians landed in Lagos on Thursday after departing Johannesburg, according to Nigerian officials. The passengers were among roughly 1,000 people who had registered with Nigeria‘s diplomatic mission in South Africa seeking assistance to return home.

The move makes Nigeria the latest African country to organise evacuations from South Africa amid escalating tensions surrounding immigration, unemployment and public services. Ghana, Zimbabwe and Malawi have already undertaken repatriation efforts in recent weeks as concerns over xenophobic attacks intensified. The latest developments come against a backdrop of anti-immigration demonstrations in several South African cities, where some campaign groups have called for undocumented migrants to leave the country. The protests have fuelled anxiety among migrant communities and renewed memories of previous waves of xenophobic violence that have periodically erupted in South Africa over the past two decades.

Many migrants from across Africa moved to South Africa after the end of apartheid in 1994, attracted by economic opportunities and the prospect of a better life. However, persistently high unemployment, currently above 30%, has contributed to growing frustration in parts of the country and intensified debates over immigration. Among those returning to Nigeria are people who have spent decades living and working in South Africa.

One Nigerian migrant told the BBC he had lived in South Africa since 1998 but decided to leave after repeated threats and attacks. “I’m leaving because of the conditions they’ve given us,” he said. “Because of the way they are killing people, killing our brothers, I’m not safe.”

Nigeria’s Consul General in South Africa, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, rejected suggestions that migrants were responsible for South Africa’s economic challenges, arguing that foreign nationals were increasingly being used as scapegoats in a wider political debate. South African authorities have announced new measures aimed at tackling illegal immigration, including faster deportation procedures and tougher penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands and warned against targeting people suspected of being in the country unlawfully.

While some anti-immigration groups insist their campaigns focus on undocumented migrants, human rights organisations and migrant advocacy groups have warned that foreign nationals are facing threats and intimidation regardless of their legal status. The issue has also taken on a diplomatic dimension.

According to Al Jazeera, Nigerian officials have accused South African authorities of failing to adequately protect foreign nationals, while discussions continue within the Nigerian government over potential responses to the situation. The developments are being closely watched across West Africa, particularly in Ghana, where memories remain fresh of previous xenophobic episodes affecting Ghanaian traders, workers and students living in South Africa.

Al Jazeera reports that Ghana has already facilitated the return of nationals from South Africa in recent weeks, while South Africa’s Border Management Authority said hundreds of Ghanaians had also been repatriated for immigration-related reasons. Analysts say the latest tensions highlight a broader challenge facing Africa’s integration agenda: balancing national economic pressures with commitments to free movement, regional cooperation and pan-African solidarity.

For many migrants, however, the crisis is deeply personal.

As evacuation flights continue and governments monitor the situation, thousands of Africans living in South Africa remain uncertain about their future, caught between economic opportunity and growing fears for their safety.

Source: BBC

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