Group calls for urgent, decisive actions to protect Nigerians in South Africa

By Philomina Attah

The Concerned Nigerian Network in Diaspora (CNND) has expressed deep concern over the safety of Nigerian citizens abroad, citing a surge in incidents of harassment and violence targeted at foreigners in South Africa.

The group expressed the concern while calling on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians living in South Africa.

​The President of the network, Mr James Erebuoye, made the call in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja.

​He also urged the South African government to caution its citizens and take proactive steps to end what he described as the “harassment” of fellow Africans.

​“I was deeply disturbed by a trending video showing a fellow African being beaten without justification.

​“Such actions reflect a poor mindset at a time when African nations should be united and focused on development rather than creating avoidable conflicts,” he said.

​The CNND president emphasised that acts of violence and intimidation against Africans in South Africa are not only unlawful but unacceptable.

​He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between African nations to promote unity, peace, and mutual respect.

​Erebuoye further appealed to the Nigerian and South African governments to engage diplomatically to address the root causes of the friction and ensure the protection of all citizens, regardless of nationality.

​​In recent years, Nigerians in South Africa have frequently reported cases of targeted violence, looting of businesses, and harassment, often fueled by allegations that foreigners take local jobs or are involved in criminal activities.

​​The latest call for intervention highlights the growing anxiety within the diaspora community as video evidence of assaults continues to circulate on social media, sparking renewed outrage across Africa.

(NAN)