Nigerian Youth Forum Demands South Africans Leave by 2026

The youth forum in Nigeria has given South Africans residing in the country a deadline to leave by the end of July 2026. This ultimatum was announced during a press conference on Wednesday, where the forum's youth leader expressed concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, labeling these incidents as afrophobia.

The forum criticized the South African government for failing to adequately address these attacks, which they argue undermine the ideals of African unity and solidarity. The youth leader highlighted that Nigerians living in South Africa face harassment and intimidation despite diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The forum referenced Nigeria's historical support for South Africa during its struggle against apartheid and called for urgent measures from South African authorities to protect foreign nationals. The statement comes amid rising anti-immigrant sentiments in South Africa, with the Nigerian government consistently urging the protection of its citizens abroad.

There has been no immediate response from the Nigerian government or South African authorities regarding the ultimatum.