Fani-Kayode Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa
Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has condemned xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, where at least two Nigerians—Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpeyong Andrew—have been killed. Emmanuel reportedly died after being beaten by SANDF personnel on April 20.
The attacks include Nigerians being turned back from schools, thrown out of hospitals, bundled from shops, and their stores ransacked. Women have been beaten, stripped naked, and sexually violated in public by mobs, while men face beatings, humiliation, and discrimination even when immigration papers are complete.
Fani-Kayode emphasized Nigeria's significant historical support for South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle—including $91 billion in aid, providing passports to ANC leaders, and pushing for international sanctions. After apartheid, South African companies received billions in Nigerian contracts and dominated banking, retail, and telecommunications sectors.
President Ramaphosa has stated that people won't be allowed to harm foreign nationals, but Fani-Kayode calls on the Nigerian community to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while diplomatic channels address the crisis.
How should Nigeria balance historical solidarity with South Africa against the current treatment of its citizens, and what steps can rebuild trust between these two African economic powers?