Xenophobia: African nations threaten retaliatory action against South Africa 

The wave of xenophobic attacks sweeping South Africa has triggered a sharp diplomatic backlash from several African nations, with Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique leading a chorus of condemnation against Pretoria over what they describe as the systematic targeting of foreign nationals on South African soil.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu telephoned her South African counterpart Ronald Lamola to raise her government’s accusations of xenophobic violence against Nigerians, including the deaths of two Nigerian nationals. The Nigerian government demanded justice and called for full cooperation in investigations into the killings.

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew — in separate incidents involving interactions with South African security personnel. Emmanuel died from injuries sustained after an encounter with personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20, while Andrew’s body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police.

As the number of xenophobic attacks rises, Mozambique is expected to become the latest African country to formally complain to Pretoria about the alleged mistreatment of its citizens, joining Nigeria and Ghana who have already raised the issue with the South African government.

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The crisis has also reached Nigeria’s legislature. The House of Representatives called on the Tinubu administration to mobilise evacuation plans and urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hold South African authorities accountable, while recommending a review of bilateral relations with South Africa including the possible suspension of operating permits for South African companies as a retaliatory measure.

South African businesses with large continental operations including MTN, Standard Bank and others risk retaliatory action as the attacks become an increasingly prominent global story.

South Africa hosts approximately 2.4 million foreign-born residents, representing roughly four percent of its population according to 2022 data. President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the attacks but stressed that migrants must respect South African laws, while anti-migrant groups such as March and March and Operation Dudula continued to organise marches across Johannesburg and Pretoria.

The Pan African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission condemned the attacks as contrary to African Union principles of unity and free movement, calling on the AU and South African authorities to strengthen accountability measures and ensure those responsible for violence are prosecuted.

The crisis has drawn uncomfortable parallels with history. During apartheid, ANC leaders found refuge in countries such as Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Ghana nations whose citizens are now among those being targeted in the very country their solidarity helped liberate.