Nigeria is planning to repatriate nationals in South Africa who want to return home voluntarily, after concern grew that attacks on foreigners could escalate, the foreign ministry said. [1]
Foreign minister said 130 applicants had already registered for the repatriation exercise and that number was expected to rise. The minister said Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa “must not continue to be put at risk,” and that officials were working with South Africa to try to end the violence. [1]
Nigeria also summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner over the issue. The foreign ministry said a meeting later on Monday would formally convey Abuja’s “profound concern” about recent incidents, including marches by anti-immigrant groups, mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses. [1]
The ministry said two Nigerians were killed in separate incidents involving local security personnel. Nigeria also pointed to recent deaths of Ethiopian nationals in South Africa in the broader wave of violence, as President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the attacks and warned foreigners to respect local laws. [1]
Peter Odike, a Nigerian resident in South Africa, said, “Business is totally down. Most of us are shutting down because it's not safe to stay here,” reflecting the strain on Nigerian traders caught up in the unrest. [1]
Nigeria said on Sunday that arrangements were under way to collate details of Nigerians for voluntary repatriation flights. Officials were due to press the case at the meeting with South African authorities on Monday. [1]
