Nigeria has begun evacuating 130 of its citizens from South Africa after anti-migrant protests turned violent.
The initiative is part of a “voluntary repatriation” program announced by Nigeria in response to a series of xenophobic incidents in South Africa. Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said on Sunday via social media that 130 individuals had already registered to return home, and she expects that number to increase. She emphasized that “the lives and businesses of Nigerians in South Africa should not continue to be put at risk.” The program follows a series of xenophobic incidents, including the deaths of two Nigerians last month in incidents involving South African security personnel.
South Africa, considered the continent’s most industrialized nation, has seen a rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric in recent months.
Why Is Anti-Migrant Tension Rising in South Africa?
Experts warn that immigrants are being used as scapegoats for South Africa’s economic problems. Anti-migrant sentiment is being fueled by populist commentators online.
The country has seen a series of protests led by groups claiming that irregular migration harms the national economy. Numerous violent attacks have been reported, primarily targeting Black Africans from other countries. According to South Africa’s national statistical agency, approximately 3 million immigrants reside in the country, making up about 5% of the population. Most immigrants in South Africa originate from the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc.
Source: Deutsche Welle
