FG warns Nigerians in S’Africa of violent anti-foreigner protests

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has issued an urgent advisory to its citizens in South Africa following a wave of anti-foreigner demonstrations across parts of the country.

In a public notice dated April 22, 2026, the consulate said protests had already taken place in cities including KuGompo (formerly East London), Cape Town, Durban and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with some turning violent.

According to the statement, clashes between protesters and foreign nationals have resulted in injuries, looting, and destruction of property.

The consulate warned that further demonstrations are being planned in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, urging Nigerians to exercise caution during the period.

“Nigerian nationals are advised to avoid engaging with demonstrators or confronting protest groups,” the notice stated, adding that citizens should closely monitor local media and adhere to safety precautions.

Business owners have also been urged to take preventive measures. The consulate specifically advised Nigerians to observe the public holiday on Freedom Day, April 27, and consider closing their businesses on April 28 and 29, citing the risk of attacks on foreign-owned establishments.

“Nigerian business owners are strongly advised to strictly observe the public holiday of Freedom Day on 27th April, and also consider closing their shops/businesses on the other affected days – 28th and 29″, as there are no guarantees that the protests will be peaceful and foreign-owned businesses could become soft targets for the protesters,” the statement warned.

While calling for calm, the consulate reassured Nigerians of its continued support, stating that it remains available to provide consular services and is engaging South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

“Remain calm and law-abiding. We remain available to discharge all Consular services to our nationals. We will also engage the relevant Police authorities for the necessary protection of our people, while continuing to seek ways to restore peace through the appropriate diplomatic channels,” the Consulate concluded.

The development comes amid recurring tensions over immigration in South Africa, where foreign nationals have periodically faced hostility and targeted violence.

South Africa, which is home to about 2.4 million migrants, just less than 4% of the population, according to the BBC, has a long history of xenophobic violence, with major outbreaks recorded in 2008, resulting in the deaths of 62 people, injuring hundreds, and displacing over 6,000, largely targeting immigrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Nigeria.

Renewed violet attacks in 2015 and 2019 recorded widespread looting of foreign-owned shops, and the destruction of businesses, particularly those owned by migrants from other African countries. These recurring incidents have entrenched fears among immigrant communities and continue to shape responses to new waves of unrest.

In recent years, organised anti-migrant groups have played a growing role in fueling such tensions. Movements like Operation Dudula have campaigned for the removal of undocumented migrants, staging protests and carrying out raids on businesses and public spaces. Their activities, often framed as efforts to tackle crime or protect local jobs, have drawn criticism for targeting foreign nationals and escalating hostility.

Recently, in March 2026, a peaceful march in the port city of KuGompo spiralled out of control, leading to disorder after a protester said he was attacked by a foreigner, prompting demonstrators to damage several vehicles and shops.

The trouble came amid tension over the recent installation of a Nigerian community leader in the city, who has a traditional title that can be translated as “king of the Igbo people in East London”.