South Africa: Turning a crisis into a continental conversation on migration and Africa’s future, By Mcebisi Jonas

Nigeria and South Africa held a tense diplomatic meeting in Abuja on Monday to address a surge in xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals, particularly those from Nigeria and other African countries. The talks, described by both nations as a gesture of solidarity, took place amid ongoing protests in South Africa that have led to the displacement of thousands and the deaths of several foreign migrants. The meeting came after months of escalating tensions, with South African authorities struggling to contain the unrest while neighboring countries, including Nigeria, expressed growing concern over the safety of their citizens abroad. The protests, which began in early 2026, have targeted immigrants, often accusing them of contributing to rising crime rates, economic instability and pressure on public resources. In Johannesburg's Diepsloot township, members of the March and March movement destroyed stalls believed to belong to foreigners during a weekly demonstration on July 23, 2026. The incident highlighted the volatile nature of the demonstrations, which have occasionally turned violent, with reports of attackers breaking into homes and dragging individuals into police vehicles. According to the Associated Press, at least four foreign nationals have been confirmed dead in such incidents, although some African governments repatriating citizens have reported a higher death toll. Over 160,000 people have fled South Africa since the outbreak of the protests, according to an AFP tally based on data from African governments repatriating their citizens. Among these displaced individuals, approximately 1,500 are Nigerian nationals. Nigeria, along with Ghana, has been vocal in its criticism of South Africa’s response to the crisis, arguing that the government has failed to protect its citizens and has instead allowed the protests to escalate unchecked. Nigerian Foreign Affairs Junior Minister Sola Enikanolaiye accused South African authorities of complicity in the violence, citing instances where Nigerians with valid residency permits were attacked despite having legal status. During the meeting, both sides referred to each other as “brothers,” a common expression used in diplomatic discourse to emphasize shared values and historical ties. However, the discussions revealed deep divisions, with Nigeria pressing South Africa to take stronger measures to safeguard its citizens and prevent further loss of life. South Africa’s delegation, led by International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, defended the government’s stance, asserting that the country faces challenges posed by criminal activity involving immigrants, including drug trafficking and cybercrime. Lamola emphasized President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to combating intolerance and maintaining national security, stating that South Africa has the right to manage irregular migration and deal with undocumented immigrants who engage in illegal activities. South Africa, one of Africa’s most industrialized nations, has long attracted large numbers of both legal and undocumented immigrants. However, the country also grapples with high levels of unemployment, underdeveloped social infrastructure and widespread crime, factors that have contributed to the perception that immigrants are responsible for many of the nation’s social problems. Analysts suggest that the protests reflect broader frustrations with government inefficiency and economic hardship, with immigrants becoming a convenient target for public anger. The meeting marked another step in a complex diplomatic relationship strained by the crisis. While both nations acknowledged the need for cooperation, the disagreement over how to handle the situation remains unresolved. As the protests continue, the fate of thousands of displaced individuals, and the stability of the region, will depend on whether the two nations can find common ground in addressing the root causes of the unrest.