An international human rights scholar has called on the Nigerian government and regional bodies to urgently respond to the growing wave of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
Uchenna Emelonye, a scholar at Bournemouth University and former United Nations Senior Human Rights Envoy, said the recent attacks against migrants represent serious violations of international human rights laws.
In a statement, Emelonye warned that the violence against African migrants, especially Nigerians living in South Africa, should not be treated as isolated incidents. According to him, the attacks amount to systematic abuse of the rights of migrants legally residing in the country.
He explained that the violence, which reportedly includes killings, assaults, looting, and destruction of businesses, violates the rights to life, dignity, personal security, and equality.
The scholar also described the attacks as xenophobic discrimination because victims are allegedly being targeted simply because they are foreigners. He added that the destruction of migrant-owned businesses threatens victims’ livelihoods and economic survival.
Emelonye further said that many migrants have been displaced from their homes and communities because of fear and violence. According to him, this forced displacement violates the rights of migrants to freedom of movement and residence.
He urged the Nigerian government to respond “swiftly, decisively, and visibly” to protect Nigerians living abroad. Among his recommendations were the deployment of emergency consular support teams, stronger diplomatic engagement with South African authorities, and legal and financial assistance for victims.
The human rights expert also called on the Economic Community of West African States and civil society organizations to increase advocacy and pressure for accountability.
According to Emelonye, the current crisis challenges the idea of African unity and regional cooperation. He said Africa’s vision of continental integration cannot succeed while Africans continue to face violence and discrimination within other African countries.
Over the past month, reports say at least two Nigerian citizens, identified as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, have lost their lives during the violence, while several others have reportedly been displaced and suffered property losses.
The warning comes amid rising anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa, where demonstrations against undocumented migrants have spread across cities including Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. Authorities have repeatedly warned against violence and hate-driven attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Human rights groups continue to call for stronger protection measures, dialogue, and peaceful solutions to address concerns surrounding immigration and economic hardship in South Africa.