Xenophobia: African nations mount pressure on South Africa over attacks on foreigners

Diplomatic tensions are rising across Africa as several countries consider retaliatory measures against South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians.

 

Although no country has formally announced a full border closure, threats of trade restrictions, tighter border controls and other sanctions are gaining momentum, in what analysts describe as one of the most serious regional fallouts since the end of apartheid.

 

The latest violence, which erupted between April 27 and 29, saw protests in cities including Pretoria and Johannesburg, with migrants blamed for issues such as unemployment and crime—claims not broadly supported by police data.

 

Nigeria and Ghana have taken the lead in responding to the attacks, summoning South African envoys and demanding urgent action to protect their citizens.

 

Nigeria’s Federal Government has also begun arrangements for voluntary evacuation, with at least 130 Nigerians already registered for repatriation flights as of May 3. Officials say the number could rise amid fears of further unrest.

 

At a meeting with South Africa’s High Commissioner, Nigerian authorities stressed that “Nigerian lives and businesses must not continue to be put at risk,” while hinting at stronger measures if the situation persists.

 

Ghana has similarly protested the treatment of its citizens after viral footage showed a Ghanaian national being harassed in KwaZulu-Natal. Accra says it is working with regional bodies to address the crisis.

 

Elsewhere, tensions are escalating as countries weigh stronger responses.

 

Tanzania has been cited in reports as issuing a stern warning to South Africa, while Botswana is considering economic measures, including possible border restrictions and energy supply adjustments.

 

Mozambique is also reviewing operations at the Ressano Garcia border, a key trade corridor, with potential implications for cross-border movement and commerce.

 

South African authorities have condemned the attacks, with President Cyril Ramaphosa stating that criminal acts and mob justice would not be tolerated.

 

However, affected countries insist that stronger, concrete measures are needed to prevent further violence.