Nigerians facing xenophobic attacks in South Africa are legal migrants — Foreign Minister
Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has dismissed claims that Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa are illegal immigrants.
Her comments come amid reports of continued attacks on foreign-owned businesses linked to protests over illegal immigration, a situation that has heightened tensions across the continent.
Several African countries, including Ghana, have begun evacuating their citizens as concerns over safety continue to grow.
Speaking to the media on Monday, June 8, the Minister insisted that many of the affected Nigerians are legally resident in South Africa and are engaged in legitimate businesses.
She argued that the violence and intimidation being experienced by Nigerians cannot be justified on the grounds of immigration status.
The Minister further noted that many Nigerians have had their businesses attacked, while some families are reportedly living in fear due to the unrest.
According to her, children of Nigerian migrants have also been affected by the tensions.
"People who are doing legitimate business have their shops looted, they have their shops set on fire. Children cannot go to school because they are intimidated in their schools. So, to say that Nigerians who are in South Africa doing legitimate business are illegal migrants is absolutely untrue," she stressed.
Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu also expressed disappointment with South Africa's handling of the situation, citing Nigeria's historic support for the country's anti-apartheid struggle.
She revealed that the Nigerian government has activated a crisis response mechanism through its diplomatic missions in South Africa and is coordinating evacuation efforts for citizens who wish to return home.
The Minister added that the repatriation exercise is being carried out in collaboration with the country's emergency management authorities to ensure affected Nigerians are safely returned and supported upon arrival.