Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s top diplomat in Abuja over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in the country.
The move on Saturday comes amid growing concerns over the safety of African migrants in South Africa, where recent incidents of violence and intimidation have sparked diplomatic tensions across the continent.
According to Nigeria’s foreign ministry spokesman, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, South Africa’s acting High Commissioner is expected to meet Nigerian officials on Monday to address “documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.”
The development follows a similar diplomatic protest by Ghana, which last week summoned South Africa’s envoy in Accra over reported attacks on its nationals.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister cited an incident in KwaZulu-Natal where a Ghanaian resident was reportedly confronted and told to “leave South Africa and fix his country,” highlighting what officials describe as a worrying pattern of hostility toward foreigners.
Africa’s most industrialised economy has long attracted migrant workers, but persistent unemployment—currently above 30 percent—has fuelled periodic anti-immigrant protests.
Official data show that more than three million foreign nationals live in South Africa, accounting for just over five percent of the population, with the majority originating from countries within the Southern African Development Community.
South Africa’s acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, has condemned the violence, warning that acts of xenophobia violate constitutional protections of dignity and equality.
“Violence, looting or intimidation against foreign nationals will not be tolerated,” he said, adding that law enforcement agencies have been directed to act decisively.
The latest tensions underscore rising diplomatic pressure on Pretoria to address recurring xenophobic violence, as affected countries demand stronger protections for their citizens.
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