NIDCOM Alerts on Renewed Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

On April 29, NIDCOM (Nigerians in Diaspora Commission) issued a statement highlighting the alarming rise in xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and CEO of NIDCOM, warned that the situation could worsen despite previous diplomatic engagements.

Reports indicate that children of Nigerian descent are afraid to attend school, and business owners are hesitant to open shops due to fears of looting and harassment. NIDCOM documented incidents of violence and intimidation within the past 72 hours and appealed to South African authorities to safeguard foreign nationals, citing obligations under international law and the African Union protocol on free movement and human rights.

The commission condemned the profiling of Nigerians and called for increased police patrols in areas where Nigerians live and work, swift arrests and prosecutions of perpetrators, and the establishment of a joint Nigeria-South Africa community safety forum. NIDCOM also advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas.