NiDCOM urges SA prosecution of xenophobic attackers

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged South African authorities to prosecute those responsible for recent xenophobic attacks targeting African immigrants, including Nigerians, Ghanaians, and Zimbabweans, amid reports of escalating violence in several cities.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa expressed concern over the renewed tensions, which have persisted despite prior diplomatic efforts between Nigeria and South Africa. The attacks, which resurfaced this month, have led to the deaths of at least two Nigerian citizens, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, according to the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg. Community leaders reported fresh incidents of violence, intimidation, arson, and extortion in the past 72 hours, particularly in areas like Durban, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal.

NiDCOM highlighted the severe impact on Nigerian communities, noting that children of Nigerian descent are afraid to attend school and business owners have closed shops due to fears of looting and harassment. "While many expected a de-escalation of tensions following earlier engagements between both governments, the situation on the ground is...