File photo: A man kicks a burning piece of furniture during a riot in the Johannesburg suburb of Turffontein on September 2, 2019, as angry protesters loot alleged foreign-owned shops today in a new wave of violence targeting foreign nationals.
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland, Joseph Ayalogu, has urged Nigeria and other African countries to demand compensation from the South African government for victims of recent xenophobic attacks in the country.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Ayalogu described the attacks as unfortunate and called on South African authorities to take responsibility for the losses suffered by affected individuals.
“It’s unfortunate that they are targeting people’s businesses. I have seen posts on social media showing people deliberately taking over businesses owned by others. The government should begin to consider compensating those who have lost their livelihoods and investments,” he said.
According to the former envoy, African nations, including Nigeria, should collectively press the South African government to provide restitution for victims and take decisive steps to curb the violence.
“These are the things that African countries, Nigeria included, should firmly demand from the South African government. We need affirmative action from the authorities to bring this situation under control, rein in those responsible, and enforce existing laws that prohibit such attacks,” he added.
The latest wave of attacks has resulted in the destruction of businesses and prompted countries such as Ghana and Nigeria to repatriate some of their citizens from South Africa, raising concerns across the continent.
Ayalogu, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the South African government’s response, arguing that stronger action is required.
“I am not satisfied with what the government has done, including the rhetoric from the president. They should make it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable and criminal, while deploying law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute those involved,” he said.
‘Largely Afrophobic’
Ayalogu argued that the attacks are more accurately described as Afrophobic rather than xenophobic, noting that they appear to be directed primarily at fellow Africans.
“You wouldn’t simply call it xenophobia because it is largely Afrophobic. They are not targeting Americans, Dutch nationals, or other Europeans living among them, many of whom enjoy better living conditions. Their resentment appears to be directed mainly at Africans,” he stated.
His comments come amid renewed attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, incidents that have reportedly resulted in deaths and the destruction of property.
Nigerian authorities, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have condemned the attacks, insisting that “enough is enough.”
The Federal Government has since evacuated 258 Nigerians from South Africa, saying the move was necessary to protect citizens facing threats, harassment, and violence.
In response to growing tensions, South African police have intensified security deployments nationwide ahead of a June 30 deadline issued by fringe anti-illegal immigration groups demanding that undocumented foreigners leave the country.
Although the ultimatum has no legal backing, authorities have pledged to maintain law and order.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said security agencies had heightened operational readiness across all provinces to protect communities, critical infrastructure, and public spaces.
While affirming the right to peaceful protest, he warned that criminality, intimidation, violence, and destruction of property would not be tolerated.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga also stated that the military was prepared to secure strategic locations, including airports, and would support police operations if necessary.
“Indeed, if—and I hope it does not get to that point—we are called upon by the police to assist, we will. For now, our focus remains on securing key national assets,” she said.
