Ex-envoy demands compensation for victims of South African xenophobia

Joseph Ayalogu, Nigeria's former Ambassador to Switzerland, is calling for Nigeria and other African nations to demand compensation from the South African government for victims of xenophobic attacks. Ayalogu condemned the repeated targeting of foreign-owned businesses and urged for stronger enforcement of South African laws to protect migrants.

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It’s unfortunate that they are targeting people’s businesses. I have seen some of the posts [on social media where people are] deliberately going to people’s businesses and taking over their businesses.

"It’s unfortunate that they are targeting people’s businesses. I have seen some of the posts [on social media where people are] deliberately going to people’s businesses and taking over their businesses," Ayalogu stated during an interview on Channels Television. He believes African countries should adopt a more assertive diplomatic approach, pressing Pretoria to implement its existing legislation to curb such violence. "We need affirmative action from the government of South Africa to really call this to order, rein in their people, and use the law," he urged.

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We need affirmative action from the government of South Africa to really call this to order, rein in their people, and use the law.

Ayalogu expressed dissatisfaction with the South African government's response, including public statements from its leadership. He characterized the violence as "Afrophobic" rather than solely xenophobic, noting that attacks seem primarily directed at Africans, while other foreign nationals appear less affected. "You wouldn’t say it’s xenophobic because it’s largely Afrophobic. They are not bothered, picking out Americans, Dutch, or Europeans in their midst who are actually evidently living much better than most of them," he observed. His comments come amid ongoing concerns over violence against African migrants in South Africa, with reports of looted and attacked businesses owned by Nigerians and other nationals.

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You wouldn’t say it’s xenophobic because it’s largely Afrophobic. They are not bothered, picking out Americans, Dutch, or Europeans in their midst who are actually evidently living much better than most of them.