Xenophobia: African nations threaten retaliatory action against South Africa
While no government has officially announced a total closure of borders, threats of blockades, trade suspensions and heightened security checks are gaining traction across the region in what analysts and foreign policy experts describe as the most serious diplomatic fallout since the end of apartheid.
The latest wave of violence, which erupted between April 27 and 29, 2026, saw locals in Pretoria, Johannesburg and other cities stage protests against illegal immigration, with Nigerians and other African nationals bearing the brunt.
The attacks have revived longstanding claims that migrants accept lower wages, dominate informal trade and are involved in crime such as drug trafficking and fraud, allegations police data do not substantiate as a nationwide trends.
Repatriation, diplomatic pressure mount
Neighbouring states such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, that account for the majority of South Africa’s migrant population, are on high alert, with many citizens seeking to return home as tensions escalate.
Meanwhile, Nigeria and Ghana have taken the lead in diplomatic pushback, warning their citizens to exercise caution and demanding urgent action from Pretoria.
On Monday, the Federal Government officially summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner to formally convey Abuja’s displeasure and insisted on concrete steps to protect Nigerian lives and property.
The government has also begun arrangements for the voluntary repatriation of its citizens. As of May 3, 130 Nigerians have registered with the Nigerian mission in South Africa for evacuation flights, and officials say the number is likely to increase ahead of another planned demonstration scheduled for May 4-8.
The government has stressed that the immediate priority remained the safety of its nationals, and pledged to pursue all diplomatic avenues to secure their protection.
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