Tinubu Orders Monitoring of South Africa Protests

Tinubu Orders Monitoring of South Africa Protests
Demands Justice for Nigerians
Summons South African Envoy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered intensified monitoring of the ongoing anti-foreigner protests in South Africa, as the Federal Government raises fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians and calls for justice over recent incidents.

Contents

EDITOR’S PICK
FURTHER READING

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this while presenting a situation report, noting that authorities are on alert ahead of another round of demonstrations scheduled between May 4 and 8.

EDITOR’S PICK

“There is heightened anxiety over the series of anti-foreigner protests. The priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” she said, adding that the President’s directive reflects Nigeria’s resolve to prevent further harm to its nationals.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said images circulating across media platforms showing violence and xenophobic rhetoric have drawn widespread condemnation, describing the trend as “utterly condemnable and unacceptable.”

She, however, acknowledged that top South African officials, including Cyril Ramaphosa, have publicly denounced xenophobia, extra-judicial killings, and the destruction of foreign-owned businesses.

According to her, protests held between April 27 and 29 in Pretoria and Johannesburg were largely peaceful under heavy police presence, with no confirmed attacks on Nigerians during that period.

Despite this, the minister revealed that two Nigerians died earlier in separate incidents involving security personnel. Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel reportedly died after sustaining injuries linked to an assault by members of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth, while Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew was found dead in a Pretoria mortuary following an encounter with metro police.

“These incidents are utterly condemnable and unacceptable. Nigeria demands that justice be done,” she said, noting that the Nigerian High Commission is closely monitoring ongoing investigations.

She confirmed that Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner in Abuja as diplomatic engagements intensify to address the situation.

Tinubu Embarks on France, Kenya, Rwanda Diplomatic Tour

Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that Nigerian missions in South Africa are working with local authorities to minimise risks to citizens, while arrangements are underway for the voluntary repatriation of those willing to return home, with about 130 Nigerians already registered.

She also stressed Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa’s liberation struggle, warning that recurring xenophobic attacks must be decisively addressed.

“Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa must not continue to be put at risk,” she said, adding that both countries are engaging through existing frameworks, including early warning mechanisms, to prevent further escalation.