The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to temporarily shut down their businesses and steer clear of confrontations as xenophobic attacks escalate in parts of the country.
The advisory follows a wave of anti-foreigner protests across several South African cities, where demonstrators have reportedly targeted foreign-owned shops and demanded the expulsion of non-nationals.
In one of several videos circulating online, a Nigerian trader selling clothes was seen being confronted by a group of South African men who ordered him to pack up his goods and leave the country.
The footage has intensified concerns among Nigerians and other foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, many of whom depend on small-scale businesses for their livelihood.
In a statement shared with TheCable on Friday, NiDCOM said its advisory was prompted by a circular issued earlier in the week by the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg.
According to the commission, protests in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal have reportedly turned violent, resulting in looting, destruction of property, and injuries.
NiDCOM disclosed that intelligence from the consulate indicates that fresh protests are being planned in Gauteng province between April 27 and 29.
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The demonstrations are said to be aimed at pressuring the South African government over the continued presence of foreign nationals in the country.
The commission urged Nigerians to refrain from engaging with protest groups, avoid crowded areas, and closely monitor local media for real-time updates on the evolving security situation.
It specifically advised Nigerian business owners to close their shops on April 27, which is observed as Freedom Day in South Africa, and to consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, noting that foreign-owned businesses are often prime targets during periods of civil unrest.
NiDCOM also expressed support for the position of Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, stating that the diplomatic mission remains fully operational and is liaising with South African police authorities to safeguard Nigerian nationals.
The commission further revealed that Bianca Onoh, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, is engaging her South African counterpart in diplomatic discussions aimed at addressing the situation and ensuring the protection of Nigerians in the country.
The latest developments have revived longstanding concerns about xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals have repeatedly been targeted during episodes of social and economic tension.