Some Nigerians living in South Africa have reportedly refused to comply with a June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigrant groups demanding that foreign nationals leave the country, with some now appearing to arm themselves for self-defence as tensions escalate.
According to Daily Trust, anti-migrant organisations have intensified campaigns for the expulsion of undocumented foreigners, accusing them of taking jobs and public services from South Africans. The development has drawn widespread criticism and renewed concerns over xenophobic violence.
One of the leading groups, March and March, staged protests ahead of the self-imposed June 30 deadline. Speaking to supporters in Durban, the group’s leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, alleged that illegal immigrants were responsible for rising unemployment.
“South Africans have been replaced by illegal foreigners, increasing unemployment,” she said, adding: “We want mass deportation. For the next six months we want the government to get rid of the people who have not left.”
Following the deadline, members of the anti-immigrant groups reportedly raided homes and hotels where they believed migrants were hiding. A viral video showed a man, his pregnant wife and their children being forced out of their home by protesters, while the man repeatedly pleaded, “My wife is pregnant.”
South African police say at least four foreign nationals—two Mozambicans, one Ethiopian and one Malawian—have been killed in the latest wave of anti-immigrant violence.
In response to the growing unrest, several African countries, including Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, have arranged voluntary evacuation flights and buses for citizens wishing to return home. Authorities say more than 25,000 people have been processed for departure in recent weeks.
However, not all migrants have chosen to leave. A video circulating online on Saturday appeared to show a tense standoff between a group of Nigerians and South Africans, separated by a makeshift rope barrier with police officers standing between both sides to prevent clashes.
The commentator in the video claimed that the Nigerians were waiting for South Africans to cross the line while security personnel tried to keep the groups apart. The footage also appeared to show some individuals on the Nigerian side carrying cutlasses and other light weapons. Gunshots could be heard during the recording, although it remains unclear who fired them.
Daily Trust said it conducted verification checks and concluded that the video was authentic. However, the specific circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the identities of those carrying weapons could not be independently verified.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian nor the South African government had issued an official statement on the incident.
The Nigerian government has consistently condemned attacks on its citizens in South Africa and has urged the South African authorities to ensure their safety. Through the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, officials have advised Nigerians to remain calm, avoid flashpoints and report security threats to the appropriate authorities.
Nigeria and South Africa have experienced repeated diplomatic tensions over recurring xenophobic attacks in recent years, with previous outbreaks resulting in official protests, evacuation efforts and renewed calls for stronger protection of foreign nationals living in South Africa.