LThe Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has urged the South African government to take urgent action to protect Nigerians and other Black immigrants following reports of renewed xenophobic violence in parts of the country.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa expressed serious concern over what she described as a worsening security situation, saying hoped-for calm after earlier diplomatic talks has not been achieved.
“While many expected a de-escalation of tensions following earlier engagements between both governments, the situation on the ground is deteriorating,” she said.
The commission said available reports suggest that children of Nigerian descent are becoming increasingly afraid to attend school, while several business owners are reportedly shutting down operations due to fears of targeted attacks, looting, and harassment.
It added that community leaders have recorded new cases of violence and intimidation within the last 72 hours.
NiDCOM called on South African authorities to act swiftly to ensure the safety of all foreign nationals, stressing the need to uphold international human rights obligations and African Union free movement protocols.
The body also condemned what it described as the blanket profiling of Nigerians, insisting that criminal behaviour should be treated individually rather than attributed to nationality.
“Crime has no nationality. Any individual, regardless of origin, who commits an offence should be investigated and made to face the full penalty of South African law,” Dabiri-Erewa stated, warning that collective punishment and generalised accusations are unacceptable and dangerous.
Among its demands, NiDCOM called for stronger police presence in affected areas, the prompt arrest and prosecution of those responsible for xenophobic attacks, and the creation of a joint Nigeria–South Africa community safety forum involving security agencies, city officials, and diaspora representatives.
It also urged South African authorities to issue clear public statements condemning xenophobia and discouraging stereotyping of foreign nationals.
NiDCOM advised Nigerians living in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk locations, particularly at night, while confirming ongoing coordination with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate in Johannesburg, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
