Xenophobic attack: Nigeria alerts citizens ahead of South Africa protests

The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has issued a public advisory warning Nigerian nationals in South Africa about planned nationwide anti-foreigner demonstrations scheduled for May 4, 2026.

A notice signed on Sunday by the Consul General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, and obtained by our correspondent, was issued ahead of the planned protests.

In the statement, the consulate said it had received information that “groups of anti-foreigner movements have circulated invitations urging all South Africans to participate in a nationwide shutdown on May 4, 2026, across all nine provinces, to press the government to take action against foreigners in the country.”

According to the advisory, organisers of the demonstrations alleged that “foreigners are benefiting more from the country than citizens and therefore, they want all foreigners, documented or not, to leave South Africa as a matter of urgency.”

The groups are planning a march on the same day “to remove the foreigners from the country.”

While the protest is expected to take place nationwide, the consulate noted that clear gathering points have not been identified in most cities. However, in Johannesburg, participants are expected to assemble at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown.

The march is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 4, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., with a memorandum expected to be presented at noon.

Authorities anticipate significant disruptions, particularly in central business districts across major cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.

The consulate urged Nigerians to exercise caution and avoid confrontations during the demonstrations.

“All Nigerian nationals are strongly advised to avoid engaging any demonstrators or confronting them,” the notice stated, adding that citizens should “monitor local media, as well as adopt necessary safety precautions.”

Business owners were also advised to take preventive measures.

“Nigerian business owners are also advised to consider closing their shops/businesses during the duration of the march, as there are no guarantees that the protests will be peaceful, and foreign-owned businesses are expected to become soft targets for the demonstrators,” the statement said.

The consulate reassured citizens of its continued support, noting that it “remains available to discharge all consular services to our nationals, while continuing to seek ways to protect our nationals.”

It further disclosed that law enforcement agencies had been informed of the planned demonstrations and the need to ensure the safety of foreign nationals and their businesses.

“Please stay safe, while we remain at your service,” the advisory concluded.

The advisory comes amid rising xenophobic tensions, as at least 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation flights being arranged by the Federal Government.

Earlier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the move followed directives from President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the safety of Nigerians abroad.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that protests held between April 27 and 29, 2026, were largely peaceful but still required heavy police deployment in the affected cities.

While those demonstrations did not record widespread violence, authorities confirmed isolated incidents, including the deaths of two Nigerians linked to encounters with security personnel.

With another round of demonstrations expected between May 4 and 8, Nigerian officials say diplomatic engagement with South African authorities is ongoing to safeguard citizens and prevent further escalation.