This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
On September 5, 2019, Nigeria's foreign ministry made a significant announcement regarding the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The ministry stated that Nigerians in South Africa were being offered a free flight to return home, following the unfortunate attacks on foreign nationals.
The offer was made by the owner of Air Peace Airlines, who was willing to evacuate Nigerians free of charge on Friday. Interested Nigerians were advised to liaise with the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria and the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg for further necessary arrangements.
The attacks on foreign-owned businesses in South Africa have sparked widespread anger among Nigerians, who feel they are being unfairly targeted. Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, stated that no Nigerians had been killed in the unrest, but the government was considering recalling its high commissioner to South Africa and demanding full compensation for Nigerian businesses that had been damaged.
The situation has led to a rise in tension between the two nations, with Nigeria deciding to boycott the World Economic Forum in South Africa this week. The country has also advised its citizens to avoid travelling to high-risk and volatile areas in South Africa until the situation is brought under control.
Retaliatory attacks on South African businesses by protesters in Nigerian cities have forced the telecommunications giant, MTN, to close all its shops and service centres in Nigeria. Earlier in the week, President Muhammadu Buhari sent an envoy to South Africa to express Nigerians' 'displeasure' over the violence.
