Nigeria and Ghana Respond to South Africa's Accusations

On July 15, 2023, Vincent Magwenya, spokesman for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, accused Nigeria and Ghana of spreading "fake news" and attempting to misrepresent South Africa regarding violence against African nationals. Femi Fani-Kayode refuted these claims, citing historical instances of violence against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa, including the murders and displacement of many during attacks in 2008.

He emphasized that the current violence is part of a recurring cycle of Afrophobia. The Nigerian government has repatriated over 1,500 citizens from South Africa due to safety concerns, incurring costs exceeding $2 million.

Additionally, 150,000 African nationals have fled South Africa in recent months, further indicating the severity of the situation. Fani-Kayode questioned the South African government's denial of Afrophobia, pointing to the June 30 deadline for African nationals to leave and the violent actions of armed mobs targeting foreign nationals.