Abuja, Nigeria (Running Africa) — Nigeria has accused South Africa of failing to adequately protect foreign nationals after two Nigerian citizens were killed amid escalating anti-immigration tensions, raising fresh diplomatic concerns between Africa’s two largest economies.
In a statement, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Emeka Charles Iroegbu allegedly died while in police custody following an interrogation in Pretoria on 28 June, while Musa Yunana Joe, a Nigerian shop owner, was reportedly attacked and killed by unidentified assailants in eMalahleni, formerly known as Witbank.
South African authorities have confirmed that investigations are underway into both incidents, including an independent probe into the circumstances surrounding the police-related death.
The killings come against the backdrop of growing anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, where campaigns targeting undocumented immigrants have intensified in recent weeks. The unrest has prompted thousands of foreign nationals to leave the country, including an estimated 700 Nigerians, amid concerns over their safety.
Nigeria’s government strongly condemned what it described as a worsening climate of xenophobia, accusing South Africa of failing to safeguard foreign residents. Abuja also criticised comments made by a South African government minister linking Nigerian nationals to drug-related crime, describing the remarks as inflammatory and harmful to bilateral relations.
The diplomatic dispute unfolds as South Africa continues to grapple with unemployment levels exceeding 30%, fuelling public frustration over economic hardship. Anti-immigration groups have increasingly blamed undocumented migrants for taking jobs, placing pressure on public services and contributing to crime—claims that remain widely contested.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly warned that such rhetoric risks fuelling violence against migrant communities, while calling on authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure the protection of all residents regardless of nationality.
The latest deaths are likely to place renewed pressure on diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, whose economic and political ties have periodically been tested by outbreaks of xenophobic violence.
As investigations continue, both governments face growing calls to strengthen cooperation, ensure accountability and address the broader security concerns affecting migrants living in South Africa.
