Nigeria Summons South African Envoy Over Attacks on Africans

Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner to formally express concern over recent attacks on foreigners, including Nigerian citizens, in South Africa.

According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the envoy will meet officials in Abuja on today, Monday, May 4, 2026. At the meeting, Nigeria will convey its “profound concern” about the incidents, warning that they could affect relations between the two countries.

The ministry said discussions will focus on recent anti immigrant marches and documented cases of mistreatment of Nigerians, including attacks on their businesses. Local media reports indicate that at least two Nigerians and four Ethiopians have been killed in recent weeks. Citizens of other African countries have also been targeted.

South Africa, Africa’s most industrialised nation, has long attracted migrants from across the continent seeking work. But tensions have grown, with some South Africans accusing foreigners of entering illegally, taking jobs, and being linked to crime.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks, while urging foreigners to respect local laws. In his Freedom Day speech last week, he reminded South Africans of the support other African nations gave during the fight against apartheid.

Despite this, anti immigrant groups have continued to stage protests. Some demonstrators have stopped people outside hospitals and schools, demanding identity papers. In Pretoria last week, foreign owned businesses were told to close to avoid violence during a march.

One Nigerian man told BBC Pidgin: “It is not okay because we are blacks, we are brothers… everybody comes here just to survive.” A security guard added: “It’s just making us scared. Imagine if we’re scared in our own African continent, what if we go to Europe?”

The recent violence follows earlier tensions. In April, Ghana summoned South Africa’s top envoy after a viral video showed a Ghanaian man being challenged to prove his immigration status. Anti immigrant sentiment also rose after reports that the head of the Nigerian community in KuGompo (formerly East London) had been installed in a traditional role translated as “king.” Some locals saw this as an attempt to claim political power.

South Africa is home to about 2.4 million migrants, representing just under 4% of its population, according to official figures. Many more are believed to live there without documentation. Most migrants come from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, which have historically supplied labour to South Africa’s mines and industries. A smaller number come from Nigeria and other West African nations.

Nigeria’s move to summon the South African envoy highlights growing regional concern about xenophobic violence. Officials say the attacks not only threaten lives but also undermine African unity and cooperation.

The Foreign Ministry stressed that Nigeria values its relationship with South Africa but will not tolerate mistreatment of its citizens. It urged South African authorities to take stronger action to protect foreign nationals and prevent further violence.