Nigeria has begun a voluntary evacuation of its citizens from South Africa following a surge in anti-migrant violence that has left at least five dead and dozens of businesses torched in Johannesburg and Pretoria. The British High Commission in Pretoria has issued a security alert describing the situation as “volatile” and advising British nationals to exercise caution.
On Monday, the Nigerian government chartered a flight from Johannesburg to Lagos, with priority given to the most vulnerable, including pregnant women and the elderly. The evacuation comes after a week of unrest in which mobs attacked foreign-owned shops and residences, targeting mainly Nigerian and other African migrants. South African police have arrested over 200 people in connection with the violence, but the attacks have continued sporadically.
Analysts point to a confluence of factors driving the unrest: high unemployment, particularly among the youth, and long-standing grievances over immigration. South Africa’s official unemployment rate stands at 29 per cent, but among 15- to 24-year-olds it exceeds 56 per cent. Politicians and community leaders have been accused of stoking xenophobic rhetoric, blaming migrants for crime and economic hardship. The violence has drawn condemnation from across the continent, with Nigeria recalling its ambassador to South Africa for consultations.
In a statement, the Nigerian presidency said it was “deeply concerned” by the breakdown of law and order and the “brazen display of xenophobia.” The government has urged South African authorities to protect Nigerian citizens and their property. The British High Commission, in its advisory, warned of “the potential for further outbreaks of violence” and said it was monitoring the situation closely. It advised British nationals to avoid large gatherings and to keep abreast of local media reports.
The crisis has tested diplomatic relations between Africa’s two largest economies. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has denounced the violence, sending a delegation to Nigeria to offer reassurances. But critics say his government has failed to address the root causes of the unrest, including deep inequality and a lack of economic opportunity. The African Union has also weighed in, calling for an end to the attacks and urging member states to uphold the principle of free movement.
For now, the evacuation continues. The Nigerian government has said it will repatriate all citizens who wish to leave, with further flights scheduled in the coming days. The British High Commission has not indicated any plans to evacuate British nationals, but its advisory remains in effect. The situation in South Africa’s urban centres remains tense, and the risk of further violence is assessed as high.
