Nigeria Begins Voluntary Repatriation of Nationals as Anti-Migrant Violence Escalates in South Africa

Key facts

• 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary repatriation from South Africa.
• Two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, were killed in separate attacks.
• Four Ethiopian nationals have also been killed in recent weeks.
• Protests in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent.
• Nigeria summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner, Bobby Moroe, over the attacks.
• President Bola Tinubu directed the provision of evacuation flights for willing returnees.
• Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu condemned the violence and xenophobic rhetoric.
• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the attacks but also urged foreigners to respect local laws.

Lede: A Wave of Violence Prompts Mass Repatriation

Nigeria has begun the voluntary repatriation of its citizens from South Africa after a wave of anti-migrant protests turned violent, leaving two Nigerians dead and hundreds of businesses looted or shuttered. Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu announced on Sunday that 130 applicants had already registered for the exercise, a number expected to rise as Nigerian associations continue to compile lists of those wishing to leave. President Bola Tinubu personally directed the provision of evacuation flights for citizens who cannot afford airfare, according to a statement from the foreign ministry. The move comes amid growing fears that the unrest, which has spread across multiple cities, could escalate further.

The Toll: Two Nigerians Killed, Businesses Destroyed

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed that the two victims, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, were killed in separate incidents linked to the anti-foreigner protests. In addition, four killed in recent weeks, according to local media, while citizens of Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Somalia have also faced attacks. Peter Odike, a Nigerian who naturalised in South Africa in 2006, described the atmosphere of fear among immigrants: “Business is totally down. Most of us are shutting down because it's not safe to stay here.” The Nigerian Consulate, in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has offered free repatriation flights to any Nigerian willing to return permanently.

Government Response: Summons, Condemnation, and Evacuation Plans

Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner, Bobby Moroe, to convey its “profound concern” over the incidents. A formal meeting is scheduled for Monday to discuss the marches held by anti-immigrant groups and “documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses,” according to a foreign ministry statement. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the Nigerian president’s priority is the safety of citizens, and arrangements are under way to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights. She also noted that Nigeria and South Africa recently signed a memorandum of understanding on early warning mechanisms to protect citizens during periods of heightened tension.

The Protests: Organised Groups and Xenophobic Rhetoric

The protests, which erupted in cities including Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, are being driven by community groups, anti-immigration organisations, and social movements such as Operation Dudula, the March and March Movement, and similar local initiatives. Demonstrators accuse migrants of causing economic hardship and crime, demanding the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. Campaigners for migrant rights say foreigners have long been scapegoated in South Africa for its economic woes. Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the attacks as a “repetitive wave,” alleging that anti-foreigner opposition groups sometimes exploit the situation to gain political support.

Background: A History of Xenophobia and Economic Strain

As Africa’s most industrialised country, South Africa has long attracted migrants from across the continent seeking work. However, persistent unemployment, inequality, and strained public services have fuelled resentment against foreign nationals. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the attacks but also cautioned foreigners to respect local laws. In his Freedom Day address last week, marking the country’s first democratic elections in 1994, Ramaphosa reminded South Africans of the support other African nations gave during the struggle against apartheid. The irony of targeting fellow Africans has not been lost on many observers.

What Comes Next: More Protests Planned, Nigeria Watching Closely

More protests are planned for May 4 and May 8, and Nigeria has said it will be watching developments closely. The government has instructed its diplomatic missions in South Africa to work with local authorities to reduce risks to Nigerians. The Nigerian Consulate is gathering data to arrange a special evacuation flight, requiring applicants to submit personal details including passport biodata, state of origin, and proof of circumstances qualifying them for repatriation. Registration for the exercise is free, and the process is ongoing as many Nigerians signal interest in returning home. The Nigerian in Diaspora Commission has directed business owners to temporarily shut down to minimise risks and avoid further losses.

Analysis: A Test for Bilateral Relations and Regional Solidarity

The crisis poses a significant test for relations between Africa’s two largest economies. Nigeria’s formal conveyance of “profound concern” and the summoning of South Africa’s envoy signal that Abuja expects concrete action from Pretoria. The memorandum of understanding on early warning mechanisms, signed recently, may now be put to the test. If the violence continues unchecked, it could undermine the spirit of pan-African cooperation that both nations have long championed. For now, the priority for Nigeria is the safe return of its citizens, but the broader question of how to address the root causes of xenophobia in South Africa remains unanswered.

The bottom line

• Nigeria has launched a voluntary repatriation programme for its citizens in South Africa after anti-migrant protests turned violent.
• At least 130 Nigerians have registered to return, with two confirmed killed and businesses destroyed.
• The protests are organised by groups such as Operation Dudula, accusing migrants of economic hardship and crime.
• Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner and will hold a formal meeting to address the crisis.
• More protests are planned for May 4 and May 8, and Nigeria is monitoring the situation closely.
• The violence threatens bilateral relations and highlights persistent xenophobia in South Africa.