Nigeria has completed the evacuation of 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa following weeks of rising xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests targeting foreign nationals.
The evacuation, carried out between June 10 and July 15, marked the end of one of Nigeria’s largest recent repatriation efforts. Foreign Ministry spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed on Friday that the operation had been successfully concluded.
The exercise followed growing pressure from anti-immigrant groups demanding that undocumented foreigners leave South Africa. The campaign sparked violent protests in several communities, forcing thousands of Africans to return to their home countries.
Several other African nations also launched evacuation programmes. Malawi reportedly repatriated about 38,000 citizens, Zimbabwe brought home nearly 21,300 people, while Uganda evacuated around 1,100 nationals. Hundreds more from Ghana, Mozambique and Kenya also left South Africa.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had earlier raised concerns over worsening conditions for Nigerians in South Africa. She called for a thorough investigation into the June 28 killing of two Nigerians, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, during the unrest.
South African police, however, said the two deaths were not linked to the xenophobic protests. Authorities have nevertheless faced criticism over continued attacks, looting and the destruction of businesses owned by foreign nationals.
Despite the tensions, the Nigerian government said it remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with South Africa while condemning all forms of xenophobia, racial discrimination and violence against foreigners.
The Federal Government also said it would continue engaging the South African authorities through diplomatic channels as efforts continue to restore peace and ensure the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
