Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) The South African government has been urged to increase protection for Nigerians and other black immigrants following reports of renewed xenophobic violence.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 29, NIDCOM President/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa warned that the situation has worsened despite earlier diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
According to the commission, recent reports show that children of Nigerian origin are now afraid to go to school, while business owners are reluctant to open their shops for fear of looting, harassment and targeted attacks. Community leaders have also documented fresh incidents of violence and intimidation within the last 72 hours.
NIDCOM appealed to the South African authorities to take “Immediate and clear steps” Protecting foreign nationals citing obligations under international law and the African Union Protocol on Free Movement and Human Rights.
The commission rejected profiling of Nigerians, and stressed that crime should be treated as an individual matter. “Crime has no nationality” The statement said the perpetrators should be prosecuted under South African law rather than stigmatizing the entire community.
Among its demands, NIDCOM called for increased police patrolling in areas where Nigerians live and work, prompt arrest and prosecution of criminals, and the creation of a joint Nigeria-South Africa community security platform involving the police, city officials and diaspora leaders.
The commission also urged South African authorities to issue clear public messages condemning xenophobia and stereotyping.
Nigerians living in South Africa were advised to obey the law and avoid high-risk areas after dark. NIDCOM said it is in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the Consulate General in Johannesburg and Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While condemning the attacks, the commission praised the majority of South Africans who continue to live peacefully with other Africans, expressed confidence in the long-term relations between the two countries and promised continued diplomatic commitment to protect Nigerians abroad.