Nigeria has begun a voluntary evacuation of its citizens from South Africa, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two Commonwealth powers. The move follows a series of violent attacks targeting foreign-owned businesses in Johannesburg and Pretoria, which have left at least five dead and dozens injured since late August. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari confirmed the evacuation order on Wednesday, stating that 600 nationals had registered for repatriation flights operated by Air Peace.
The decision underscores a growing crisis in bilateral relations, with Abuja accusing Pretoria of failing to protect its citizens. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence, deploying the army to restore order and appointing a special envoy to Nigeria to de-escalate the situation. The attacks, driven by xenophobic rhetoric blaming immigrants for unemployment and crime, have drawn international condemnation.
The African Union has called for calm, while the Commonwealth Secretary-General expressed deep concern. Analysts warn that the crisis could undermine regional stability and economic cooperation. South Africa, the continent's most industrialised economy, relies on migrant labour and trade with Nigeria, its largest trading partner in Africa.
The evacuations may strain ties further, though both nations have signalled a desire to resolve the dispute through dialogue. For now, the focus remains on the safety of foreign nationals and the restoration of order in South Africa's urban centres.
