Nigeria Summons South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner Over Anti-Nigerian Protests by Citizens By Raymond Enoch
Nigeria has moved decisively to confront what it describes as a troubling wave of hostility against its citizens in South Africa, following protests and violent incidents that have heightened diplomatic tensions between Africa’s two largest economies.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Ms. Lesoli Machele, over growing concerns about calls for the expulsion of Nigerians and other foreign nationals—sentiments that appear to be gaining traction in parts of South Africa.
At the heart of Nigeria’s protest are disturbing reports of violence and the deaths of two Nigerian nationals under controversial circumstances. Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong reportedly died on April 21 while in custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department, while Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro passed away days later at Livingstone Hospital in Eastern Cape after an alleged assault by security personnel.
These incidents, backed by circulating videos showing hostility toward foreign nationals, have amplified fears among Nigerians living in South Africa and triggered outrage back home.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, described the situation as deeply concerning and inconsistent with the historically cordial ties between both countries. He stressed that while South African authorities have publicly condemned violence and extrajudicial actions, Nigeria expects those assurances to translate into “visible, concrete steps.”
Nigeria is demanding thorough, transparent, and impartial investigations into the deaths, including access to autopsy reports and full cooperation with the victims’ families. The government also called for stricter measures against incitement and threats targeting foreign nationals, warning that unchecked rhetoric could further inflame tensions.
The diplomatic engagement comes amid rising domestic pressure, with a small group of Nigerians staging a protest in Abuja. However, the government has appealed for calm, urging citizens not to resort to reprisals or self-help.
In a sign that the situation is being handled at the highest levels, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, held a telephone conversation with her South African counterpart, signaling ongoing efforts to defuse tensions and prevent a breakdown in bilateral relations.
Responding to Nigeria’s concerns, Ms. Machele assured that Pretoria does not support the protests and would take steps to address the situation. She reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with Nigeria, describing both nations as “partners in progress.”
Despite these assurances, the mood on the ground in parts of South Africa suggests a growing wave of anti-foreigner sentiment, often fueled by economic frustrations and perceptions that migrants compete for jobs and resources. Nigerians, who form a visible and economically active community, have increasingly found themselves at the center of this backlash.
Analysts warn that unless both governments act swiftly to address both the immediate security concerns and the underlying socio-economic triggers, the situation could spiral into a broader diplomatic and humanitarian challenge.
Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, while also pledging to uphold the safety of all diplomatic missions within its borders in line with international obligations.
As tensions simmer, the unfolding developments test not only the resilience of Nigeria-South Africa relations but also the broader ideal of African unity—an ideal now strained by suspicion, economic pressure, and rising nationalist sentiments.
