Nigeria seeks AU intervention over South African xenophobia

Diplomatic tensions are rising between Nigeria and South Africa following waves of xenophobic violence targeting African migrants in South Africa. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally engaged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) to address these attacks.

In response to the security situation, Abuja has initiated large-scale repatriation efforts. As of September 2026, Nigeria has evacuated 1,716 citizens since June, with the federal government funding approximately 81% of these returns. The most recent group included 17 adults and 16 minors.

The friction has extended to regional political forums. During sessions of the Pan-African Parliament, some lawmakers accused South Africa of ingratitude toward other African nations regarding historical liberation efforts. While some representatives pushed for resolutions to protect foreign nationals and hold perpetrators accountable, South African officials have pointed to domestic pressures, including high unemployment, crime, and the strain on public institutions caused by undocumented migration.