No signs South Africa’s xenophobic violence is easing — FG

The situation for foreigners in South Africa continues to deteriorate, with Nigeria's foreign minister expressing concern over escalating anti-immigrant violence. Mobs have convulsed the country, leading to protests and attacks targeting immigrants, with two Nigerian nationals reportedly killed under disputed circumstances.

Nigeria's foreign minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announced that there are no signs of improvement and confirmed plans for more evacuation flights. Hundreds of Nigerians are among the tens of thousands of foreigners who have already departed South Africa, a nation long seen as a magnet for African immigrants due to its industrialized economy.

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There are no signs that the situation is improving.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated calls for South African authorities to investigate the deaths of Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu. While South African police stated Joe's killing did not appear related to the protests, they acknowledged awareness of Iroegbu's reported death. Chrispin Phiri, a foreign ministry spokesman, requested that Nigerian authorities provide actionable information for a thorough investigation.

South African authorities face accusations of insufficient action against the violence, which has resulted in the deaths of at least four foreign nationals and the looting of immigrant-owned shops. The tensions have also led to diplomatic friction, including a recent row with Ghana over the killing of a Ghanaian national, which Pretoria also claims was unrelated to the anti-immigrant protests.

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any actionable information to our law enforcement authorities, which will enable a thorough, objective investigation in accordance with the rule of law.