Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has summoned South Africa's High Commissioner to Nigeria, Thamsanqa Mseleku, for a meeting on Monday, 4 May. The meeting will formally express the Nigerian government's deep concern over the mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses during recent protests in South Africa. Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed the engagement, stating it aims to address events that could affect bilateral relations.
The summons follows reports of violence against African migrants, including Nigerians, in parts of South Africa. Videos circulated online showed some South Africans wielding sticks and attacking Black foreigners, demanding they leave. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been implicated in two Nigerian deaths in April. One victim, Ekpenyong Andrew, was arrested and later found dead in Booysens, Pretoria. The other, Amaramiro Emmanuel, died from injuries sustained during an attack by security personnel in Port Elizabeth.
Ebienfa acknowledged growing anger among Nigerians over the incidents. The discussions will focus on ongoing demonstrations by South African groups targeting foreign nationals. Other African nations, including Ghana, have taken similar diplomatic actions. Ghana summoned South Africa's envoy last month to protest harassment and intimidation of its citizens during the unrest.
The foreign minister calls for accountability over attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, yet the government has not disclosed any steps to protect citizens abroad beyond diplomatic meetings. Two Nigerians died under violent circumstances, one after being taken into custody by SANDF. If diplomatic protests are the only response, affected families may see little justice. The situation exposes a gap between official concern and tangible protection for Nigerians overseas.
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