Johannesburg, Sept. 13, 2025 — Nigerians in South Africa have raised alarm over renewed xenophobic threats from Operation Dudula, an anti-migrant group accused of blocking foreigners from hospitals and public services.
Leaders of Nigerian communities, including Frank Onyekwelu of the Nigerian Citizens Association and Smart Nwobi of the Nigerian Union, described the harassment as alarming. They cited disturbing cases where women gave birth on bare hospital floors and patients were denied treatment.
The groups urged urgent diplomatic intervention from Abuja and Pretoria, warning that the situation could escalate into widespread violence.
Former diplomats, including Rasheed Akinkuolie and Ogbole Amedu-Ode, condemned the attacks as illegal, discriminatory, and harmful to African solidarity. They advised the Nigerian government to summon South Africa’s envoy and demand protection for Nigerians.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that African Ambassadors in South Africa are already engaging Pretoria to resolve the crisis.
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