By SCM Reporter
Nigeria has triggered an emergency evacuation plan to rescue its citizens from South Africa as a fresh wave of xenophobic violence sweeps across the country.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered immediate “evacuation flights” for any Nigerians wishing to flee the escalating hostility. The move comes after a “repetitive wave” of targeted attacks on foreign-owned businesses and individuals left many fearing for their lives.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed on Sunday that the federal government has begun the voluntary repatriation process. So far, 130 Nigerians have registered with the country’s mission in South Africa, though officials expect that number to skyrocket as word of the rescue mission spreads.
”Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa must not continue to be put at risk,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated, slamming the violence as a tool used by “anti-foreigner opposition groups” to score cheap political points.
The Minister revealed that Nigerian associations are currently working around the clock to compile lists of those who want to leave but cannot afford the airfare. The Nigerian consulate and the High Commission in Pretoria are now coordinating a massive data-collection exercise to finalize the logistics for the special flights.
”We are engaging South African authorities to address the situation,” the Minister added, noting that a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on “early warning mechanisms” had failed to prevent this latest flare-up.
The relationship between Africa’s two largest economies—Nigeria and South Africa—has long been strained by recurring cycles of xenophobia.
The Root Cause: While South Africa’s “Rainbow Nation” was built on the promise of inclusivity, deep-seated economic frustration has frequently boiled over into violence. Local protesters often blame foreign nationals from other African countries for “stealing” jobs and fueling crime.
Previous Flashpoints: Major riots in 2008, 2015, and 2019 saw dozens of foreign nationals killed and thousands displaced. In 2019, the tension reached such a fever pitch that Nigeria previously deployed a private airline, Air Peace, to evacuate over 600 citizens.
Political Context: This latest crisis puts pressure on South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to maintain order without alienating a voting bloc that is increasingly skeptical of migration.
For Nigeria, the priority remains the safety of a diaspora that contributes significantly to the home economy via remittances.
The Current Situation
