Xenophobic attacks: Senate threatens review of diplomatic relations with South Africa

The Nigerian Senate has threatened to review the country’s diplomatic relations with South Africa over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians, warning that Abuja may be forced to adopt tougher measures if the safety of its citizens is not guaranteed.

The upper legislative chamber also ordered a fresh investigation into the attacks and directed the Federal Government to seek firm assurances from the South African authorities on the protection of Nigerians living, working and doing business in the country.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who drew lawmakers’ attention to reports of a June 30, 2026 ultimatum allegedly issued to foreign nationals, including Nigerians, to leave parts of South Africa amid escalating anti-immigrant protests.

The Senate’s latest intervention comes amid renewed diplomatic tensions between Africa’s two largest economies following reports that two Nigerian citizens were recently killed during the latest wave of anti-migrant violence in South Africa. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the killings, warning that all diplomatic options remain on the table if attacks on Nigerians continue.

During the debate, senators unanimously condemned the recurring attacks, describing them as unacceptable, inhumane and inconsistent with the principles of African unity.

Calls for tougher diplomatic action

Leading the debate, Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central) urged the Federal Government to abandon what he described as a passive diplomatic approach and adopt stronger measures against Pretoria.

“We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted,” Mustapha said.

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“This is the starting point for a very robust engagement. I suggest we sever all diplomatic relationships with South Africa.”

However, former Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, urged caution, arguing that the attacks should not automatically be interpreted as official South African government policy.

According to him, the violence could be linked to internal political efforts aimed at destabilising the South African government and weakening the governing African National Congress (ANC).

Recalling Nigeria’s historic support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, Abdullahi maintained that the situation required careful diplomatic handling.

“This is a coordinated effort to destabilise the government of South Africa and to remove the ruling party, the ANC, from office,” he said.

“There is an attempt from the right wing of White South Africans and now coming up from the Black ones to delegitimise the government as quickly as possible. We should tread with great caution and carefully consider this conspiracy.”

The senator also lamented what he described as inadequate funding of Nigeria’s foreign missions, saying the country’s embassies and high commissions have become too weak to effectively protect Nigerians abroad.

Senate demands written guarantees

Following extensive deliberations, the Senate adopted several far-reaching resolutions aimed at protecting Nigerians residing in South Africa.

Lawmakers directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, and other relevant agencies to obtain written guarantees from the South African government on the safety and security of Nigerians.

The Senate also insisted that all those responsible for attacks, killings, looting and destruction of property belonging to Nigerians must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with South African law.

In addition, the lawmakers mandated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to compile a comprehensive register of Nigerians affected by the attacks.

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The database is expected to include Nigerians who were killed, injured, displaced, unlawfully detained or whose businesses and properties were destroyed, with the aim of pursuing compensation and legal redress.

The demand for compensation comes despite the South African government’s recent rejection of calls to compensate Nigerians who abandoned their homes, businesses and properties while fleeing the violence.

South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, had argued that compensation could only apply to legally registered assets, insisting that structures in informal settlements do not qualify under the country’s property laws.

She also challenged the Nigerian government to cooperate in identifying criminal syndicates allegedly operated by some foreign nationals, including Nigerians, within South Africa.

Nigeria seeks continental response

Beyond bilateral engagement, the Senate urged the Federal Government to work with the African Union (AU) and other African countries to establish an early warning and accountability mechanism capable of preventing future xenophobic violence across the continent.

Lawmakers stressed that attacks on African migrants undermine regional integration, economic cooperation and the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Senate further mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs to review the implementation of its earlier resolution of May 5, 2026, on xenophobic attacks and examine existing bilateral agreements between Nigeria and South Africa.

Both committees were directed to submit their findings within two legislative weeks.

Tension briefly rose during the debate when Senator Abdul Ningi proposed that President Bola Tinubu should begin the process of severing diplomatic ties with South Africa should the attacks continue.

Similarly, Senator Adams Oshiomhole suggested that profits generated by South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria should be appropriated to compensate Nigerian victims of xenophobic violence.

Deputy President of the Senate Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, urged restraint, insisting that the Senate should first await the outcome of the committees’ investigation before considering stronger diplomatic or economic sanctions.

The latest Senate action follows growing concern over anti-immigrant protests that have swept parts of South Africa in recent months. Although South African authorities insist many demonstrations have been peaceful, several incidents have turned violent, with foreign nationals reportedly attacked and foreign-owned businesses looted. South Africa has called on Nigeria to submit evidence through diplomatic channels while investigations continue into the reported death of one Nigerian during police interrogation.

Xenophobic attacks: Senate threatens review of diplomatic relations with South Africa