Nigeria has issued a fresh warning to South Africa following the killing of two Nigerians last week, saying it may take stronger diplomatic measures if xenophobic attacks do not stop. Abuja also confirmed plans to evacuate another 271 Nigerians from South Africa on Tuesday.
The warning comes amid growing tension between Africa’s two largest economies over repeated attacks targeting Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
In a statement, Nigerian authorities condemned the latest killings and accused a South African government spokesperson of making remarks it described as inflammatory and tantamount to hate speech.
Officials said the federal government views the continued violence, including looting of shops, forced evictions, and attacks on homes and schools, as unacceptable.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a new evacuation flight will depart South Africa tomorrow with 271 stranded citizens. With this batch, the total number of Nigerians brought home due to the crisis will rise to 1,130.
The latest flare-up follows an ultimatum issued on June 30 by anti-migrant groups demanding that foreign nationals leave South Africa. Nigeria noted the absence of a firm response or condemnation from Pretoria, which it said suggested tacit approval.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had earlier warned that retaliatory actions against South Africa remained on the table if diplomatic engagement failed to end the attacks.
