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Nigeria has begun arranging a voluntary evacuation of its citizens from South Africa after a series of anti-migrant protests and attacks, with at least 130 Nigerians registering to return home, officials said.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu announced the program on Sunday, stating that arrangements were underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights. "So far 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission in S.A, but this figure is expected to rise," she wrote on social media, as reported by multiple outlets.

The move follows renewed fears of xenophobic violence in South Africa, with protests erupting in cities including Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Durban. Demonstrators have demanded tougher action against illegal immigration, saying undocumented foreign nationals are putting pressure on jobs, security, and public services.

Coverage comparison

Reports across outlets largely agree on the core facts: Nigeria has launched a voluntary repatriation program, 130 citizens have registered, and the number is expected to grow. The tone of coverage varies, with some outlets emphasizing the humanitarian aspect and others focusing on the diplomatic fallout.

Africa News, Deutsche Welle, and AllAfrica all reported the registration figure and the government's announcement, with AllAfrica adding details about two Nigerians killed in April by personnel of the South African National Defence Force. Deutsche Welle highlighted the recent uptick in anti-immigrant rhetoric and protests led by groups claiming irregular migration is hurting the economy.

The Jerusalem Post, citing Reuters, emphasized the protests in Pretoria and Johannesburg and South Africa's promise to crack down on xenophobic attacks. RFI — English took a different angle, focusing on South Africa's pushback against accusations of xenophobia, quoting presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya insisting that "South Africa is not xenophobic."

Key claims

130 Nigerians registered for evacuation

At least 130 Nigerians have registered with the Nigerian mission in South Africa for evacuation, according to Foreign Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Multiple sources, including Africa News, AllAfrica, Deutsche Welle, and the Jerusalem Post, reported this figure. The minister said the number is expected to rise as more citizens seek to return home.

Two Nigerians killed in April

AllAfrica and Deutsche Welle reported that two Nigerians were killed in incidents connected to South African security personnel last month. According to AllAfrica, the deaths occurred in April: one victim, identified as Ekpenyong Andrew, was arrested and later found dead; the other, Amaramiro Emmanuel, died from injuries sustained in an attack. The minister referenced these deaths in her statement, saying there are reports that violent protests may resume.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric and protests

Several sources noted an uptick in anti-immigrant rhetoric in South Africa in recent months. Protests led by groups claiming irregular migration is hurting the economy have been reported, with some turning violent. Deutsche Welle noted that experts have warned immigrants are being scapegoated for economic woes and that anti-migrant fervor is driven by populist pundits online.

Long history of xenophobic violence

Africa News and others highlighted South Africa's history of xenophobic violence, often driven by economic frustrations, unemployment, and perceptions that migrants compete for jobs. Previous outbreaks, including deadly riots in 2008 and attacks in 2015 and 2019, have strained relations between Africa's two largest economies.

South Africa's response

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola told the press he had spoken with Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and they "reflected on the challenges posed by irregular migration and committed to working to address the root causes, find common and sustainable solutions to this shared concern," as reported by Deutsche Welle. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya insisted South Africa should not be labeled xenophobic, arguing that protests reflect broader tensions surrounding migration, crime, and economic pressures.

Diplomatic pressure

AllAfrica reported that diplomatic pressure on South Africa is mounting, with some African countries threatening retaliatory measures. Tanzania has issued a 48-hour ultimatum for South African citizens to leave, and Botswana is considering sealing its land border and restricting electricity supply. Mozambique is reportedly considering restrictions at the Ressano Garcia border. These claims were carried by a single source and have not been independently confirmed.

Perspectives

Nigerian government

The Nigerian government, through Foreign Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu, emphasized the need to protect its citizens and businesses. "Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk," she said, announcing the voluntary evacuation program and urging calm while acknowledging concerns. Nigeria has also summoned South Africa's High Commissioner to convey its displeasure and demand concrete steps to protect Nigerian lives and property.

South African government

South African officials have pushed back against accusations of xenophobia. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said, "South Africa is not xenophobic. South Africans are not xenophobic," arguing that the protests are permitted under the Constitution and that immigration is a source of tension. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola expressed commitment to addressing root causes of irregular migration with Nigeria.

United Nations

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced alarm over the situation, as reported by RFI — English. The UN's concern underscores the international dimension of the unrest.