Onoh Challenges Diplomatic Response to South Africa Xenophobic Crisis, Urges Stronger Protection for Nigerians
Onoh Challenges Diplomatic Response to South Africa Xenophobic Crisis, Urges Stronger Protection for Nigerians
By Akin Alade
Former Southeast spokesman for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Denge Josef Onoh, has criticized recent remarks by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, regarding the ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
Onoh described the comments as insensitive to the realities facing affected Nigerians, arguing that the recurring attacks should not be treated as routine diplomatic challenges. He maintained that the growing violence against foreign nationals in South Africa demands urgent and decisive intervention from both Nigerian and South African authorities.
According to Onoh, recent incidents involving attacks, displacement of families, destruction of businesses, and reported deaths of foreign nationals demonstrate that the crisis has escalated beyond what can be dismissed as a temporary situation. He warned that organized anti-immigrant groups and recurring patterns of violence have continued to threaten the safety of Africans living in South Africa.
The former presidential spokesman noted that xenophobic violence has resurfaced several times over the years, citing previous outbreaks that affected thousands of African migrants. He stressed that the latest developments have once again exposed the vulnerability of Nigerians and other Africans residing in the country.
Onoh also pointed to the recent repatriation of Nigerians from South Africa as evidence of the seriousness of the situation. Nigerian authorities recently commenced the evacuation of citizens willing to return home following the renewed wave of anti-immigration protests and attacks. Reports indicate that hundreds of Nigerians have already returned, while many others registered for voluntary evacuation.
While South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to crack down on groups responsible for xenophobic violence and reaffirmed that immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of the state, concerns persist across Africa over the safety of foreign nationals. The South African government has also promised stronger action against individuals involved in attacks and intimidation.
Onoh called on Nigerian diplomatic authorities to adopt a firmer position in defending the rights and dignity of Nigerians abroad. He emphasized that Nigeria, as a leading voice on the African continent, must continue to demand accountability and stronger protections for its citizens living and working in foreign countries.
He further urged African leaders, regional organizations, and international human rights bodies to work collectively toward ending xenophobic violence and promoting peaceful coexistence among African nations.
The renewed debate comes amid growing concern over the impact of anti-immigration protests in South Africa, which have triggered diplomatic engagements, calls for sanctions, and demands for stronger action to prevent future attacks on African migrants.
