South Africa: FG On High Alert As Fresh Attack Against Foreigners Begins On Monday

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to closely monitor the widespread xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the disclosure while presenting a situation report of the attacks, particularly as more demonstrations against foreigners have been scheduled for May 4^th  to 8^th.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu spoke after the federal government said it has summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigerian to clarify what’s happening in his country, and how his government is ensuring the safety of Nigerians resident there.

The attacks started three weeks ago and have spread across the country, even as foreigners, particularly blacks living in the country said they are desperate to leave.

The Nigerian Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM the body responsible for monitoring Nigerians living abroad recently said it’s prepared to ensure the safe air-lifting of Nigerians in South Africa willing to return to the country.

According to the minister, the immediate concern of the federal government is the safety of Nigerians currently living in South Africa, saying president Tinubu wants to ensure that no further harm against Nigerians.

“There is heightened anxiety over the series of anti-foreigner protests. The priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens,” she said.

She also described the attacks on Nigerians and other foreigners as condemnable and unacceptable.

Similarly, the federal government said it has summoned the South Africa’s envoy to the country to convey the Nigerian government’s concern over the attacks against Nigerians resident in his country, and how it can affect the relations between the two countries.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the acting High Commissioner had been invited to Abuja on Monday, May 4 for discussion.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended an invitation to the Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa for a meeting scheduled to take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.”

“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

“Discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.

“The Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa. Nevertheless, it implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa,” the statement read.