Nigerians Leaving South Africa After Xenophobic Attacks Return Home

The first group of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa after a surge in anti‑immigrant attacks landed in Lagos on Thursday, officials said.

Violence against foreigners has plagued South Africa for weeks, with armed gangs carrying sticks, whips and shields moving through parts of the “rainbow nation” and demanding that people without residency papers leave by June 30.

Foreign nationals have reported being intimidated and beaten by mobs that went door to door, families have been forced from their homes, and many have fled in response to the threats.

Ghana, Mozambique and Malawi have already repatriated hundreds of their citizens in recent weeks.

South Africa, Africa’s largest economy, hosts more than three million foreigners—just over five percent of its population, according to the country’s statistics agency.

Unemployment exceeds 30 percent, fueling anger toward migrant workers.

According to Nigeria’s foreign ministry, 262 passengers were scheduled to return to Nigeria on Thursday on a flight chartered by Abuja, expected to land around 11:00 am (1200 GMT), out of roughly 1,000 people who have expressed a desire to leave South Africa.

The country, which has long been a destination for both legal and undocumented African workers, has experienced recurring waves of xenophobic violence since 2008, when dozens of migrants were killed and thousands displaced.

The latest spike comes as political parties prepare for local government elections in November.

AFP

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