Recent anti-foreigner protests in South Africa have become a focal point of concern, drawing attention to the safety of Nigerian nationals and eliciting varied responses from the Nigerian Federal Government and international human rights experts regarding the extent of casualties and property damage.

According to the Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a report shared on her X handle, no Nigerian national was killed, nor was any Nigerian-owned property destroyed during the anti-foreigner protests that occurred in parts of South Africa, specifically Pretoria and Johannesburg, between April 27 and 29, 2026. South African authorities characterized these demonstrations as predominantly peaceful, although police did resort to tear gas in certain areas. However, Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu did confirm two separate incidents resulting in the deaths of Nigerians, clarifying that these were not directly linked to the protests. One individual died following an encounter with soldiers, while another was found dead after an alleged confrontation with metro police. The Nigerian government views both deaths as serious and unacceptable, actively working through its High Commission to investigate these incidents and seek justice.

The Federal Government is closely monitoring the evolving situation, with further protests anticipated between May 4 and 8, 2026. In response, Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner and is escalating diplomatic discussions. Additionally, approximately 130 Nigerians have already registered for voluntary evacuation back home, indicating ongoing concerns among the community.

Conversely, international human rights scholar Prof. Uchenna Emelonye has issued a strong condemnation of the intensifying xenophobic attacks across major South African cities, describing the violence as a systematic violation of the fundamental rights of migrants, particularly Nigerians. Emelonye, a scholar at Bournemouth University and former United Nations Senior Human Rights Envoy, highlighted that these are not mere incidents of public disorder but represent grave and multiple breaches of international, regional, and domestic human rights laws.

Prof. Emelonye detailed how the attacks, characterized by killings, physical assaults, and destruction of property, directly violate the right to life and personal security. He further argued that the targeting of individuals based solely on their foreign status constitutes xenophobic discrimination, undermining their rights to dignity and equality. The scholar also pointed out that the looting and destruction of migrant-owned businesses infringe upon the right to property and livelihood, while the forced displacement of victims amounts to constructive expulsion, violating their rights to freedom of movement and residence.

In light of these developments, Emelonye urged the Nigerian government, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and civil society organizations to