Nigeria has summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner after fresh anti-foreigner protests spiralled into attacks on Nigerian citizens and businesses, threatening to reopen old wounds between Africa’s two biggest economies.
The envoy is due at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Monday, May 4, 2026, where Nigeria will formally register its “strong displeasure,” the ministry said Saturday.
Demonstrations by various groups in South Africa have “degenerated into harassment, violence, and destruction of foreign-owned businesses,” with many Nigerian-owned shops targeted, according to the ministry.
The incidents have fuelled anger in Nigeria and fears for thousands of Nigerians living and working in South Africa.
Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said government is “deeply worried about the implications of the unrest on bilateral relations.”
He stressed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad but urged calm. “Steps are being taken at the highest diplomatic levels to address the situation and ensure the safety and dignity of its nationals.”
Nigeria-South Africa ties run deep, dating to Nigeria’s backing of the anti-apartheid struggle.
But xenophobic violence has repeatedly strained relations.
Major flare-ups in 2008, 2015, and 2019 left Nigerians dead and businesses looted.
The 2019 crisis saw Nigeria recall its High Commissioner and boycott the World Economic Forum on Africa in protest.
Both countries later set up an early warning system and joint consular forums to prevent repeats.
Still, anti-immigrant sentiment, often tied to local job and crime grievances, has persisted.
Analysts warn the latest unrest could again test diplomatic ties and undercut African Union and AfCFTA integration goals if not quickly contained.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting is seen as pivotal.
Close watchers of the development want to see how Abuja and Pretoria can de-escalate and reaffirm “mutual respect, cooperation, and the protection of citizens on both sides.”
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