Xenophobic Vigilantes Are Erasing Mandela's Legacy - Bianca Ojukwu
Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has strongly condemned ongoing xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians and African migrants in South Africa, warning that aggressive anti-migrant vigilante groups are destroying the pan-African legacy of Nelson Mandela. She expressed deep concern over the escalating safety risks faced by foreign nationals, pointing out that these localized hostilities tarnish South Africa's global reputation and actively sabotage decades of hard-fought regional solidarity.
Addressing the worsening crisis, Odumegwu-Ojukwu sharply contrasted the unfair treatment of Nigerians abroad with the absolute operational freedom enjoyed by South African corporations within Nigeria. She noted that major South African enterprises thrive across the Nigerian market without experiencing any form of harassment, rendering the targeted discrimination and structural intimidation faced by Nigerian citizens in South Africa entirely unacceptable.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted that over 120 South African corporations, including major brands like MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic IBTC, and Protea Hotels, operate freely across multiple sectors in Nigeria. She emphasized that these foreign enterprises thrive without facing any form of discrimination or systematic harassment from host communities.
In sharp contrast, the minister pointed out that South African personnel in Nigeria work peacefully without facing identity targeting, business takeovers, or asset seizures. Because Nigerian migrants in South Africa face severe hostility and targeted economic disruptions, she warned that Nigeria must critically review all available options to protect its citizens.
Furthermore, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that these ongoing xenophobic attacks are inflicting profound reputational damage on South Africa’s global standing. She described the hostility as a painful betrayal of former President Nelson Mandela’s lifelong struggle for justice, continental equality, and African solidarity.
“In one fell swoop, anti-migrant vigilante groups have destroyed what this man sacrificed 28 years in prison for,” she said.
She added that the violence had tarnished South Africa’s image as a champion of Pan-Africanism and unity.
“South Africa has been stained with the stigma of being a xenophobic country. This is not something I think they will be comfortable with in the long run,” she stated.
According to the minister, the crisis has already triggered consequences within South Africa, with concerts being cancelled and conferences called off over security concerns and growing international criticism.
She also faulted the South African government for what she described as its failure to adequately protect African migrants, warning that the attacks have strained diplomatic relations and damaged the country’s global standing.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that several African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, were also evacuating their citizens from South Africa.
The minister further revealed that South African authorities had rejected a memorandum of understanding signed with Nigeria in October 2025 on an early warning mechanism designed to prevent conflicts and protect citizens of both countries.
“The pact was essentially to protect the lives and property of both Nigerians and South Africans in times of conflict like this. Instead, they pushed back, claiming those who signed for them were not the requisite signatories to make it valid,” she said.
She added that additional diplomatic processes and formalities were still required to ensure stronger bilateral cooperation in addressing future crises.