Ex-Envoy Demands Justice for South African Xenophobia Attacks

A former Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland, Joseph Ayalogu, has urged Nigeria and other African nations to seek compensation from the South African government for victims of recurring attacks on foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, living and doing business in the country.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Ayalogu condemned the repeated targeting of migrant-owned businesses and called on South African authorities to enforce existing laws designed to protect foreign residents and investors.

He described reports of businesses being looted, seized, or destroyed as disturbing, stressing that many victims have lost years of investment and their means of livelihood.

“It is unfortunate that people’s businesses are being deliberately targeted and taken over. The government should begin considering compensation for those who have lost their investments and sources of income as a result of these attacks,” he said.

Ayalogu maintained that African governments, including Nigeria’s, should adopt a stronger diplomatic stance and demand concrete action from Pretoria to prevent further violence against migrants.

According to him, South Africa already has laws capable of addressing such crimes, but the challenge lies in enforcing them effectively.

“These are issues that African countries, Nigeria included, should firmly raise with the South African government. We need decisive action to restore order, protect lives and property, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” he stated.

The former diplomat expressed dissatisfaction with the South African government’s handling of the situation, arguing that its response has not been strong enough to deter future attacks.

He called on the country’s leadership to send a clear message that violence against migrants is unacceptable and constitutes a criminal offence.

“The government must be unequivocal in condemning these actions and deploy law enforcement agencies to maintain order and prosecute offenders,” he added.

Ayalogu further argued that the attacks appear to be directed mainly at fellow Africans rather than foreigners from Western countries, suggesting that the violence is more accurately described as “Afrophobia” than xenophobia.

He noted that nationals from Europe and North America do not seem to face the same level of hostility despite often enjoying greater economic advantages.

“The resentment appears to be largely focused on Africans. You rarely hear of similar attacks targeting Americans, Europeans, or other Western nationals living in South Africa,” he observed.

His remarks come amid renewed concerns over recurring violence against African migrants in South Africa, where businesses owned by Nigerians and other foreign nationals have reportedly been looted, vandalised, or forcibly taken over in some communities.

In response to the latest wave of unrest, the Federal Government has begun arrangements to evacuate willing Nigerians from South Africa while continuing diplomatic engagements and exploring broader African-led measures aimed at addressing the crisis.