Nigeria Joins Ghana in Warning South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

The Nigerian government has summoned South Africa's top diplomat in Abuja following attacks on foreigners in South Africa, according to the foreign ministry. South Africa, a major economic force in Africa, has long been a destination for both documented and undocumented African workers. However, with an unemployment rate exceeding 30 percent, the country has seen recurring instances of xenophobia and anti-migrant protests, including recent violence. South Africa's acting high commissioner in Abuja is scheduled to meet with Nigerian officials to discuss documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses. This summons follows Ghana's foreign ministry's call to South Africa's acting high commissioner in Accra regarding several xenophobic incidents against Ghanaians. A Ghanaian resident was reportedly instructed to leave South Africa. The statement also warned of escalating tensions, advising foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, to stay indoors for their safety. Over three million foreigners reside in South Africa, representing 5.1 percent of the population, with over 63 percent coming from countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc. South Africa's acting police minister condemned anti-immigrant violence, stating that attacks on foreign nationals were unlawful and violated the country's constitutional values of dignity and equality. Police have been instructed to take decisive action to address these incidents