The Nigerian government has begun the evacuation of its nationals from South Africa, following a wave of anti-migrant violence that has swept through parts of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The attacks, which have targeted foreign-owned businesses and properties, have left at least five people dead and dozens injured since the unrest began last week.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria confirmed that a chartered flight had been arranged to repatriate citizens who wished to leave. The commission urged all Nigerians in affected areas to remain indoors and avoid large gatherings. President Muhammadu Buhari, in a televised address, condemned the violence as “barbaric and unjustified” and called for the protection of Nigerian lives and property.
The violence has been linked to rising unemployment and competition for informal sector jobs, compounded by long-standing grievances over immigration. South African authorities have deployed additional police units to the affected areas, but the unrest continues to spread, with reports of looting and arson in several neighbourhoods.
In a parallel development, the United Kingdom has offered consular support to British nationals in South Africa. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued an advisory urging British citizens to stay alert and avoid the affected districts. A spokesperson confirmed that consular staff are in contact with local authorities and are ready to provide assistance if required.
Analysts have described the situation as a significant test of regional stability. The African Union has called for calm and urged both governments to engage in diplomatic dialogue. Meanwhile, the Nigerian evacuation marks one of the most significant repatriation efforts by an African nation in recent memory, drawing comparisons to similar operations in Libya and Sudan in previous years.
The scale of the exodus is expected to strain diplomatic relations, as Nigeria is South Africa’s largest trading partner in the region. The handling of the crisis will be closely watched by international observers, particularly given the broader context of rising xenophobia across the continent. The United Nations has called for a “swift and transparent investigation” into the attacks.
For now, the immediate priority is the safety of those affected. The Nigerian government has stated that the evacuation will continue until all citizens who wish to leave have been processed. The UK, while not conducting a formal evacuation, has reiterated its readiness to provide consular assistance as the situation evolves.
