Nigeria has called for compensation for victims of renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa, arguing that those who suffered deaths, injuries, or property losses deserve redress. The demand comes amid a fresh wave of anti-migrant violence that has affected several African nationals, including Nigerians, and heightened diplomatic tensions between Abuja and Pretoria.
The call was championed by former Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland, Joseph Ayalogu, who urged the Nigerian government, alongside other African countries, to press South Africa to compensate victims of the attacks. He argued that repeated incidents of violence against foreign nationals have resulted in significant human and economic losses and require accountability.
The renewed violence has prompted Nigeria to repatriate some of its citizens, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that two Nigerians were killed during the unrest. Several other African countries, including Ghana and Malawi, have also evacuated or assisted their nationals as anti-migrant sentiment intensified in parts of South Africa.
South Africa has, however, rejected calls for compensation, maintaining that it cannot be held financially liable for criminal acts carried out by individuals. The South African government says law enforcement agencies are investigating the incidents and has condemned xenophobic violence, while insisting that perpetrators should be prosecuted through the justice system rather than the state paying blanket compensation.
The latest tensions add to a long history of strained relations between Africa’s two largest economies, with previous waves of xenophobic attacks in 2008, 2015, and 2019 also leading to diplomatic disputes and calls for stronger protection of foreign nationals.
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