Falana Calls for Legal Action Against South Africa Over Xenophobia

Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, has called on the Nigerian and Ghanaian governments to initiate legal proceedings against South Africa at the African Court of Human Rights due to ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants. Falana's statement follows South Africa's rejection of Nigeria's request for compensation for citizens who fled the country amid renewed violence.

He criticized the South African government's refusal to compensate victims, describing it as insensitive. Falana emphasized that Nigeria and Ghana should file cases against South Africa for the killings and brutal attacks on their citizens.

He noted that the African Union lacks the competence to address these issues effectively. Falana also urged the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to accept the jurisdiction of the African Court to allow victims access to legal redress.

The recent xenophobic attacks have led to the evacuation of thousands of migrants, including Nigerians and Ghanaians, from South Africa.