International
UN Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians, Foreigners in South Africa
UN Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians, Foreigners in South Africa
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has expressed deep concern over renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa, including violence targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in parts of the country.
In a statement issued by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres said he is “deeply concerned” by reports of xenophobic violence, harassment, and intimidation against migrants and foreign nationals in areas such as KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Province. He strongly condemned the acts, describing them as criminal behaviour carried out by individuals inciting violence and taking advantage of socio-economic challenges.
The UN Secretary-General warned that violence, vigilantism, and hate speech have no place in any democratic society governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights. He stressed that such actions undermine social cohesion and threaten peace in diverse communities.
Guterres also recalled South Africa’s historical struggle against apartheid, noting that the country’s development was built on solidarity from across Africa and the world. He emphasized that migrants and foreign nationals have long contributed to South Africa’s social and economic growth.
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He further acknowledged statements from South African authorities affirming that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands. According to the UN chief, those responsible for criminal acts must be properly investigated and held accountable under the law. However, he stressed that such investigations must be prompt, independent, thorough, and impartial to ensure justice and public trust.
While recognizing South Africa’s socio-economic challenges, Guterres said addressing such issues must be done lawfully and without discrimination. He urged authorities to ensure that human rights and human dignity are protected for all, including migrants and refugees.
The UN chief also welcomed South Africa’s commitment to tackling corruption in immigration systems, implementing its National Action Plan against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, and strengthening follow-up mechanisms under UN human rights frameworks. He reiterated that law enforcement agencies must remain the sole authority in administering justice.
Guterres reaffirmed that the United Nations stands ready to support South Africa in efforts to de-escalate tensions, protect vulnerable groups, and strengthen social cohesion. He stressed that sustained community engagement, responsible leadership, accountability, and respect for human rights are essential to preventing further violence and preserving peace and stability.
South Africa has faced repeated waves of xenophobic violence in recent years, often linked to economic hardship, unemployment, and competition for resources. Foreign nationals, particularly Africans including Nigerians, have frequently been affected, resulting in deaths, displacement, and destruction of property.
UN Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians, Foreigners in South Africa
International
Five Dead After Coach Carrying Dutch Tourists Overturns in Switzerland
Five Dead After Coach Carrying Dutch Tourists Overturns in Switzerland
A holiday trip in Switzerland has ended in tragedy after a coach carrying 45 Dutch adults overturned in the eastern part of the country, killing five people and injuring the remaining passengers.
The crash occurred on Thursday afternoon on the road linking Susch and Zernez in the Graubünden region. Police said the vehicle went off the roadway while passing through an area where construction work was taking place before overturning.
Three of those injured are in serious condition, while another 37 people sustained less severe injuries. The driver, who is also Dutch, survived the crash but was among those taken for medical treatment.
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Authorities have begun investigating the incident and are working to establish what caused the coach to leave the road.
Tour operator Oad said the company was devastated by the deaths and described the incident as a deeply shocking tragedy.
The crash took place close to Zernez, a popular gateway to Switzerland’s National Park, a large Alpine nature reserve in the Engadine valley.
Five Dead After Coach Carrying Dutch Tourists Overturns in Switzerland
International
Iran’s President Seeks End to War as US Tightens Economic Pressure
Iran’s President Seeks End to War as US Tightens Economic Pressure
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said he does not support prolonging the war with the United States, while urging Iran to strengthen its economic and political resilience.
Speaking to university leaders, Pezeshkian said Tehran must avoid entering negotiations from a position of weakness, particularly as the US increases pressure through its Operation Economic Outcast campaign.
He called on universities to help the government tackle the country’s economic and social challenges, warning that poorly planned policies could worsen existing problems.
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Pezeshkian also urged young Iranians, including Generation Z students, to contribute to solving social problems rather than allowing frustration to fuel protests.
The president said he was willing to work with different political groups and anyone capable of helping Iran overcome its current difficulties.
His comments come amid growing pressure on Tehran to find a way forward. The conflict began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, prompting Iranian missile and drone strikes against Israel and US positions across the region.
With Washington now intensifying economic pressure, Pezeshkian’s remarks reflect the challenge facing Tehran: resisting US demands while preventing the prolonged conflict and sanctions from further weakening the country.
Iran’s President Seeks End to War as US Tightens Economic Pressure
Africa
Murder of Nigerian Bishop in South Africa Sparks Outcry Over Unsolved Killings
Murder of Nigerian Bishop in South Africa Sparks Outcry Over Unsolved Killings
Family and community leaders rally for justice after 58-year-old cleric from Ekiti is assassinated in his Johannesburg residence.
To his congregation and loved ones, Nigerian clergyman Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle was a pillar of faith and moral guidance. But that sanctuary was violently shattered inside his Kensington home in Johannesburg when two gunmen forced their way inside and opened fire at point-blank range.
Hit more than seven times, the 58-year-old Ekiti native died at the scene, sending shockwaves across the Nigerian expatriate community and turning deep grief into a collective cry for justice.
Leading the push for accountability, the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) voiced the community’s sorrow and growing frustration with violent crime.
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Association leaders stressed that Bishop Fakunle’s family, church, and compatriots deserve clear answers rather than empty reassurances.
Urging South African investigators to act with speed and transparency, the group warned authorities against letting the tragedy become another forgotten statistic in an endless stack of unsolved homicides.
As detectives at Jeppe Police Station proceed with the murder inquiry, community heads are calling for robust oversight from Nigerian diplomats while urging the public to exercise restraint.
Despite the intense anger surrounding the brazen attack, leaders emphasized that justice must be pursued through legitimate legal channels.
As mourners across South Africa and Nigeria remember the slain bishop, their message to investigators remains clear: the community will not look away until those responsible are brought before a judge.
Murder of Nigerian Bishop in South Africa Sparks Outcry Over Unsolved Killings
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