Xenophobia: No justification for attacks on foreign nationals - NICASA
The President of Nigerian Citizens in South Africa, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu has said that there is no justification for the attacks on foreign nations by locals. Onyekwelu who gave is
The President of Nigerian Citizens in South Africa, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu has said that there is no justification for the attacks on foreign nations by locals.
Onyekwelu who gave is overview of the three day anti-foreign nationals march in South Africa, strongly condemned the attacks and any form of violence, intimidation, hate speech, harassment, destruction of property, or attacks directed at foreign nationals, particularly law-abiding Nigerians and other African migrants living in South Africa.
He said while they fully respect the constitutional right of South Africans to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, NICASA said “no grievance, regardless of how serious it may be, should ever justify xenophobia, mob justice, or the targeting of innocent people based on nationality. “
He pointed, “Many Nigerians in South Africa are legal residents, business owners, professionals, students, and contributors to the economy and society. They deserve protection under the law like every other resident of the country.”
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Nigerians in South Africa, therefore called for calm, restraint, and responsible leadership from all stakeholders; including political leaders, community organizations, and law enforcement agencies, so as to prevent escalation and maintain social cohesion.
While acknowledging the current challenges confronting South Africa, like unemployment, crime, border control, and pressure on public resources, Onyekwelu, however, said “it is dangerous and unfair to reduce these complex socio-economic issues to anti-foreigner sentiments or to create the impression that foreign nationals are the primary cause of the country’s problems.”
He added, “The issue of illegal migration is fundamentally a government, policy, and border-management matter, not something that should be handled through street protests, vigilantism, or attacks on communities. It must be addressed through lawful, structured, and humane processes.”
The group also made some suggestions which include the need to strengthen border management systems; Improving immigration administration and documentation processes, ensuring law enforcement acts professionally against criminality regardless of nationality; Promoting regional cooperation among African governments.
They also urged the South African authorities to distinguish clearly between undocumented individuals and lawful migrants who obey the law and contribute positively to society.”
Onyekwelu stressed, “Criminality must never be ethnicised or nationalised. A criminal remains a criminal regardless of whether they are South African or foreign. Collective blame is both unjust and dangerous.”
The group also encouraged Nigerians and other foreign nationals to remain calm, avoid confrontation, limit unnecessary movement in high-risk areas, and immediately report any threats or incidents to law enforcement agencies and community structures.”
The group also said it will continue to advocate for peaceful coexistence, African unity,1 respect, and adherence to the rule of law.
“South Africa has historically stood for human rights and African solidarity, and we believe those values must continue to guide the nation during difficult moments like this,” he stated.
