Fresh Xenophobic Killings: Nigeria Demands Probe As Death Toll Rises In South Africa

The persistent and escalating xenophobic violence targeting black foreigners in South Africa has recently led to the deaths of two more Nigerian nationals, Uchechukwu Nwankwo (also identified as James Nwankwo) and Taiwo Fakunle (also identified as Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle). These incidents bring the total number of Nigerians killed due to the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in the country to seven, according to the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, which announced the deaths in a statement on Friday. Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode, however, stated that eight Nigerians have been murdered this year alone, with at least four allegedly by South African police officers, highlighting a deeply troubling pattern of abuse.

Taiwo Fakunle was "gruesomely murdered" on September 4 at his residence in Johannesburg, following a series of threats, with his killers yet to be identified. James Nwankwo, on the other hand, was killed a day later on September 5, in Somerset West, Cape Town, by officials of the South African Police Service (SAPS). His death was reportedly a consequence of "gruesome interrogation techniques" employed by the police. This marks at least the sixth Nigerian whose death has been linked to South African security officials since the renewed xenophobic violence began in April. Previous incidents include the deaths of Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew by South African National Defence Force (SANDF) officials in April, Emeka Iroegbu in June, and Ibeh Simon in July during a SAPS operation.

Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has voiced grave concerns, estimating that over 30 Nigerians have been killed by the South African police in the last four years, and more than 100 Nigerian nationals murdered overall within the same timeframe. He emphasized a growing pattern of abuse by SAPS and SANDF officials, leading to Nigerian deaths, and declared that "Nigeria's patience is running thin." The ambassador expressed deep disturbance over the fact that "not one person has been arrested, detained, prosecuted or brought to justice for ANY of these heinous crimes," calling this impunity "unacceptable."

In response to these killings and the broader anti-foreigner campaign, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incidents "in the strongest terms possible," viewing them with "grave concern." The ministry found it "extremely worrisome" that security officials, whose duty is to protect, are resorting to "unacceptable interrogation techniques" causing deaths. It demanded "thorough and transparent investigations" into the killings of Fakunle and Nwankwo, urging South African authorities to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice. The Federal Government also recalled consistently pursuing dialogue with South Africa to address xenophobia and Afrophobia.

Adding to the diplomatic pressure, Nigeria's National Assembly directed lawmakers, committees, officials, and staff to suspend all official visits to South Africa and boycott legislative activities hosted or organized by South African authorities until further notice. This decision, approved by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, was prompted by continued reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced, and forced to abandon their businesses and properties despite repeated appeals to South African authorities for protection and prosecution of perpetrators. The National Assembly clarified that this measure is not intended to sever diplomatic relations but emphasizes mutual respect and commitment to protecting life and property.

South Africa's International Relations Minister, Ronald Lamola, described Nigeria’s decision to suspend official visits as “unfortunate,” stating that, at this stage, it has not affected bilateral relations. He noted that South Africa had not received formal communication regarding the suspension from the Nigerian government. Lamola expressed a willingness to engage with Nigerian authorities, recalling previous discussions where challenges involving some Nigerian nationals creating "enclaves" in Sunnyside and parts of Johannesburg were raised. He also confirmed that South Africa had verified a list of approximately 100 Nigerians reportedly killed in the country, and remains open to investigating the circumstances surrounding these deaths.

The anti-foreigner campaign in South Africa began in April, marked by citizens attacking other Africans. This tension was further intensified by an arbitrary June 30 deadline for African foreigners to leave the country. A new deadline of September 30 has reportedly been issued by "brazenly racist, xenophobic and Afrophobic" non-governmental organizations, which have openly threatened to target and harm Nigerians and other African foreigners if their "illegal deadline is not complied with." These developments have left the Nigerian community in South Africa deeply disturbed and living in "trepidation."

Ambassador Fani-Kayode called on the South African government to strengthen protection for Nigerians, investigate killings, and prosecute those threatening or attacking foreign nationals, warning of "consequences" if the "vicious cycle of discrimination against and killing" continues. He drew a stark contrast by noting that South Africans are not targeted in Nigeria. Furthermore, Nigeria expressed concern that a proposed Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of an Early Warning Mechanism, aimed at responding to emerging threats and already signed by Nigeria, is still awaiting South Africa's signature. Nigeria has also formally raised the issue of recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks before ECOWAS and the African Union, and is considering additional steps for greater cooperation from South African authorities.