Nigeria has reminded <a href="https://absafricatv.com/south-africa-returnees-find-shelter-at-opm-seek-government-support/" title="South Africa Returnees Find Shelter At OPM, Seek Government Support”>South Africa of its significant contribution to the fight against apartheid, as it calls for a unified continental response to the recurring xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants. This reminder comes as Nigeria urges the African Union to take a stronger stance against these attacks.
Vice President Kashim Shettima addressed West African leaders, highlighting the historical solidarity between Nigeria and the southern African region. He noted that Nigerian students had previously made sacrifices to support the liberation movements in southern Africa, with deductions from their scholarship allowances going towards this cause. Shettima emphasized that the continent must not forget this solidarity, which played a crucial role in dismantling apartheid.
Addressing the 69th ECOWAS Summit in Sierra Leone, Shettima urged the Economic Community of West African States to raise the issue of xenophobic attacks with the African Union. He argued that these attacks should be treated as a concern for the entire continent, rather than just a national issue. Shettima called for the matter to be placed on the agenda of the next AU summit, emphasizing the need for ECOWAS to speak with one voice in condemning violence against African migrants.
He stated, “The problems confronting South Africa do not lie with fellow Africans who are there to sell their skills.” This statement reflects Nigeria’s stance on the matter, as the country has repeatedly been affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa. Nigerian-owned businesses have been looted, and citizens have been killed, injured, or displaced during successive waves of attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Nigeria has taken steps to protect its citizens, evacuating 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa following renewed violence. Other countries, including Ghana, have also seen their nationals targeted in these attacks. Migrants from neighboring Southern African countries, such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, Lesotho, and Botswana, have also fallen victim to the violence.
