South Africa seeks $18.5m from African nations for migrant repatriation

The South African government has requested $18.5 million from Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Ghana to cover expenses related to the repatriation of their citizens. This demand follows a wave of xenophobic attacks in May, during which nationalist criminals targeted Black migrants, resulting in looting, beatings, and deaths.

The move has strained diplomatic relations across the continent. Ghana has pushed back a planned South African state visit, and Nigeria has expressed formal disappointment through parliamentary motions and diplomatic delegations. The tension has also extended to cultural spheres, such as the removal of Nigeria from singer Tyla’s tour list following local backlash.

Critics argue that South Africa should bear these costs itself due to its failure to prevent the violence, suggesting the government should focus on compensating the victims who lost businesses and property rather than seeking reimbursement from other African nations.