The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerians living in South Africa to temporarily close their businesses and avoid confrontations as xenophobic tensions escalate in parts of the country.
The warning follows a surge in anti-foreigner protests, with demonstrators reportedly targeting businesses owned by foreign nationals and demanding their expulsion.
In one of several videos circulating online, a Nigerian clothing trader was seen being confronted by a group of South African men who ordered him to pack up his goods and leave.
The situation has heightened anxiety among Nigerians and other foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, many of whom depend on small-scale businesses for their livelihood.
In a statement issued on Friday, NiDCOM said its advisory was based on a security update from the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg earlier in the week.
The commission disclosed that protests in areas such as East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, resulting in looting, destruction of property, and injuries.
It also noted intelligence reports indicating that fresh demonstrations are expected in Gauteng province between April 27 and 29, as protesters intensify pressure on the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.
NiDCOM urged Nigerians to stay away from protest areas, avoid crowded locations, and keep track of local media updates for safety information.
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The commission specifically advised Nigerian business owners to shut their shops on April 27, which marks Freedom Day, and to consider remaining closed on April 28 and 29, as foreign-owned businesses are often targeted during such unrest.
NiDCOM stated that it is aligning with the position of the Consul-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, adding that the mission is actively working with South African security agencies to safeguard Nigerians.
It further revealed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Onoh, is engaging South African authorities to address the situation.