South Africa’s crackdown on undocumented migrants has triggered a diplomatic crisis with Nigeria after Abuja alleged that three of its citizens were killed amid what it called “undue targeting” of African nationals, raising fears that the fallout could undermine Africa’s broader integration agenda.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry said Emeka Charles Iroegbu died on 28 June after police in Pretoria allegedly used “gruesome interrogation techniques” while shop owner Musa Yunana Joe was killed by unidentified assailants in eMalahleni on the same day.
The ministry said the same officers “were allegedly responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Mr Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong.”
“His case is still pending; no arrests have been made even though the four officers involved are known to the South African Police Service.”
According to the ministry, the killings raise “the question of state responsibility under international law.”
“The recorded data collated by our missions lays the grounds for criminal liability.”
It added: “The gang leaders of groups such as March on March and Operation Dudula, who incite violence and hate against fellow Africans, will also be held to account as a matter of regional and international criminal liability.”
It noted that it “is a fact that South Africa currently has one of the highest rates of crime globally, including the culture of looting and mob action.”
“Nigerians are more civil in our engagements with foreign nationals and we always uphold the rule of law when dealing with illegalities. It is, therefore, unfair to target foreigners and make them scapegoats of endemic socio-economic conditions that need to be addressed by the authorities.”
The diplomatic tension come against the backdrop of rising anti‑migrant sentiment in South Africa where protest groups have accused foreign nationals of taking jobs, fuelling crime and straining public services.
Some movements, including March on March and Operation Dudula, have issued public calls for undocumented migrants to leave the country, culminating in a widely publicised 30 June deadline that prompted several African governments to repatriate their citizens.
Nigeria said roughly 700 Nigerians were among an estimated 25,000 African nationals who left South Africa ahead of the deadline.
In its statement, Abuja warned that “all options remain on the table” if what it described as “apartheid‑style behaviour” is not addressed.
Nigeria also said it would seek compensation for citizens who fled, adding that it had begun documenting businesses and properties left behind.
South Africa rejected the demand, with cabinet minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni saying Nigerians could sell any registered assets on the local market.
The diplomatic rift adds pressure to South Africa’s already strained relations with several African states and threatens to complicate continental efforts to advance free movement and economic integration.
JN/APA