We Won't Accept Any Humiliation in South Africa - Pres. Tinubu's Aide

The Nigerian government said it will not accept humiliation of its citizens or damage to their businesses and investments as xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration protests continue in South Africa.

On Tuesday, June 30, thousands of protesters marched in cities across the country, demanding the departure of immigrants.

The demonstrations, which had been building for weeks, left four people dead and sent thousands fleeing.

Police were deployed in force, with authorities confirming arrests for looting, while soldiers were stationed in major cities overnight to contain further unrest.

Countries including Ghana and Nigeria have begun repatriating their citizens.

Another group of Nigerians arrived home on Tuesday amid rising anti-migrant tension.

Speaking during a television broadcast on Tuesday, Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Demola Oshodi, said the Federal Government has activated measures to protect Nigerians and their interests in South Africa.

“We will not accept any sort of humiliation or definitely any huge damages to our interests there. It’s just not possible,” he said.

Oshodi sought to reassure Nigerians that lives take priority over investments, pointing to the deployment of Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa as evidence of the government’s seriousness.

“But I do assure you that we take the lives of Nigerians more seriously than even these investments that I’m talking about, and you can see that in the fact that the president has sent his ambassador there,” he said.

He added that the government has already moved the most vulnerable Nigerians out of harm’s way and has formally escalated the matter with the South African authorities.

“The government is really on top of things. I’ve said we’ve moved hundreds of the most vulnerable people out of South Africa. We’ve escalated this to the South African government, and we are taking steps to do more,” Oshodi said.

While ruling out extreme measures, the adviser stressed the importance of the longstanding ties between both nations, noting that a measured approach remains necessary.

“There’s a lot of vested interest in both countries. There are many investments in both countries. We also have a history together. We have been the two largest economies in Africa. So it’s important we take things incrementally,” he said.

He urged patience as the situation develops, indicating the government was watching how the South African authorities would respond to the June 30 deadline.

“We don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater, as they say. So it’s watch and see what is going to happen today, the June 30th deadline they’ve given, and see how much the South African government is taking steps to protect our nationals,” he added.