Nigerians Seek Voluntary Return from South Africa Amid Xenophobic Tensions
Nigerians living in South Africa are increasingly seeking to return home amid renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions, according to officials in Abuja. Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that approximately 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary repatriation, with the returnees bearing the costs of their own travel.
Repatriation Details
Kimiebi Ebienfa, a spokesperson for the ministry, explained that the voluntary return effort primarily involves individuals whose legal status in South Africa has lapsed. "Those that have indicated interest for a voluntary return to Nigeria are some persons that don't have… the legal requirement to live in South Africa," Ebienfa said. "Maybe those that their visas have expired, or their documentation is not regular." The spokesperson added, "Instead of remaining there to be caught up with law enforcement… they are pleading to just leave the country and our missions are taking that up with them."
Ebienfa clarified that the process will be self-funded, not state-funded. "Those willing to leave are expected to approach the high commission and, given that their decision is voluntary, have the resources to fund their return to Nigeria," she said. The government will not provide an aircraft for the return trips, and the speed of the process will depend on the availability of funds.
Context of Rising Tensions
The repatriation announcement comes amid reports of anti-immigrant protests in South Africa and the deaths of two Nigerians in police custody. Activists have criticized the South African authorities' response to what they describe as xenophobic attacks. Sydney Usman Godwin, an activist, said, "For over four months, these xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa has not attracted the condemnation of Cyril Ramaphosa," referring to South Africa's president.
In Nigeria's capital, residents have voiced concern over the recurring nature of such incidents. Elijah Kadiri urged stronger government action: "What our government has to do, is to liaise with the South African government, and see how they can be able to stop it, because this is not the first time… where they start maltreating foreigners, killing foreigners."
Diplomatic Engagement
According to reports, the Nigerian government has been in discussions with South African authorities. The briefing followed a closed-door meeting between the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, and South Africa's Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele. The nature of the talks was not disclosed, but they are seen as part of broader diplomatic efforts to address the situation.
While South African officials have condemned violence against foreign nationals and pledged action, the situation continues to fuel anxiety among migrant communities. More Nigerians are expected to opt for voluntary return in the coming days, according to the ministry.