Nigeria has completed the voluntary repatriation of its citizens from South Africa following weeks of xenophobic attacks and protests against illegal immigration, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on Thursday.
The government announced the arrival in Lagos of the fifth charter flight, which brought 305 people from Johannesburg. Since June 10, a total of 1,490 Nigerian citizens have been repatriated from South Africa.
Statements by the Nigerian government
Thousands of foreign nationals from various African countries have either voluntarily left South Africa or been deported as anti-immigrant sentiments have surged in recent weeks. In its statement, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to the protection and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.”
The federal government also expressed its opposition to “all forms of xenophobia, racial intolerance, and violence” against foreign nationals and called for constructive dialogue with South African authorities.
Nigeria reported that two of its citizens were killed on June 28, just before the unofficial end of a month-long deadline set by groups opposing illegal immigration for foreigners to leave the country. Earlier this week, Abuja also stated that it would seek compensation from Pretoria for the property and businesses lost by deported Nigerian citizens.
Source: Africanews
