Nigeria condemns deaths of two nationals amid South Africa protests against migrants

Nigeria has condemned the deaths of two of its nationals during recent protests in South Africa, where foreign nationals are reportedly being "unduly targeted." The Nigerian Foreign Ministry announced the deaths occurred on June 28, 2023, amid escalating anti-migrant demonstrations across South Africa.

Details of the Fatal Incidents

According to the ministry, one victim, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, while the other, Musa Yunana Joe, was attacked by unidentified assailants in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga. The ministry claimed that Iroegbu's death was linked to the use of "gruesome interrogation techniques" by law enforcement, although no evidence has been provided to support this assertion.

These incidents occurred just two days before a protest deadline demanding the expulsion of foreign workers, raising concerns about rising xenophobia in South Africa. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Foreign Ministry, stated, "These two killings come at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa."

Escalating Anti-Migrant Sentiment

Protests against migrants have intensified in South Africa, with over 120 demonstrations reported nationwide on June 30 alone. Thousands of participants gathered in major cities like Johannesburg and Durban, where some protests turned violent, leading to more than 900 arrests.

• Protests are driven by perceptions that migrants contribute to high unemployment.
• Foreign-born residents represent approximately 5% of South Africa's 63 million population.
• Nigeria, alongside Ghana and Malawi, has begun repatriating its citizens from South Africa.

The Nigerian government has called for an immediate investigation into the deaths, expressing concern that inflammatory remarks from politicians may exacerbate existing tensions. As of now, South African authorities have not issued a statement regarding the incidents.

International Reactions and Safety Concerns

The increasing violence against foreigners has prompted diplomatic actions from various countries. In response to the unrest, Nigeria and other nations have summoned South African diplomats to express their concerns. The Nigerian government is particularly worried about the safety of its citizens living abroad and has taken steps to ensure their protection.

As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring events in South Africa, with calls for a balanced approach to addressing the challenges posed by migration and integration.