The minister for foreign affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has said the federal government cannot remain silent over the alleged harassment, humiliation and extrajudicial k!llings of Nigerians in South Africa amid renewed xenophobic tensions in the country
In a post on X on Thursday, Ojukwu disclosed that she had a telephone conversation with South Africa’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ronald Lamola, over recent anti-migrant protests and growing anti-foreigner sentiments in parts of South Africa.
The minister said FG’s immediate priority was the evacuation of Nigerians willing to return home following fears triggered by the protests, including the latest demonstration held in Durban on May 6.
According to her, Nigeria raised concerns over attacks targeting Nigerians and urged South African authorities to ensure that perpetrators of extra-judicial killings are held accountable.
“I maintained that our Government cannot stand by and watch the systematic harrasment and humiliation of our nationals resident in SA as well as the extra-judicial k!llings of our people, and that the evacuation of our citizens who want to return home remains our Government’s priority at this time,” she wrote.
Ojukwu noted that although the Durban protest did not turn violent due to heavy security presence, Nigerians were advised by the Nigerian mission to close their shops and remain indoors for safety reasons.
She also condemned the “violent and indiscriminate rhetoric” of anti-foreigner political groups in South Africa, warning that such actions could endanger both Nigerian citizens in South Africa and South African interests in Nigeria.
“Yesterday’s protests in Durban did not record acts of violence as there was heavy security presence. However Nigerians were advised to close their shops and businesses and stay largely indoors by Mission,” Ojukwu added.
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