Tensions Rise Over Afrophobia Claims Between Nigeria, South Africa

Femi Fani-Kayode addresses the ongoing tensions between Nigeria and South Africa, particularly following a statement from South African Presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya on July 15, accusing Nigeria and Ghana of spreading "fake news." Fani-Kayode refutes this claim, citing historical instances of violence against African nationals in South Africa, including the deaths of 62 individuals in 2008 alone. He argues that the current violence is part of a recurring cycle of Afrophobia, which has led to the displacement of many Nigerians.

He points to a June 30 deadline for African nationals to leave South Africa and mentions that over 1,500 Nigerians were repatriated at a cost exceeding 2 million USD. Fani-Kayode questions the legitimacy of South Africa's claims of no Afrophobia, citing armed mobs targeting African nationals and the complicity of local police in these actions.