Obasanjo Condemns Xenophobia, Advocates Legal Solutions

Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo criticized xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa during an interview on C-Suite Café, dated September 10, 2026. He stated that illegal migration should be addressed through legal means rather than violence.

Obasanjo recalled Nigeria's significant financial and diplomatic support for the anti-apartheid struggle, emphasizing that it was based on principles against racial discrimination, not for rewards. He highlighted that Nigeria's leadership was crucial in dismantling apartheid and mentioned collaborations with international leaders such as Andrew Young, James Callaghan, Samora Machel, and Kenneth Kaunda.

Obasanjo condemned the unlawful treatment of undocumented migrants, arguing that violence against them contradicts efforts for African integration and economic cooperation. He linked resentment towards migrants to broader governance and economic issues, suggesting that unmet economic expectations could fuel anti-immigrant sentiment.

His comments come amid ongoing debates regarding the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.