Xenophobia: Onoh Rejects South African Envoy’s Claim, Demands Protection for Nigerians

Former Enugu State lawmaker and former Southeast spokesman for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Okey Onoh, has challenged the South African Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, over his assertion that there is no xenophobia in South Africa.

Moroe recently told an interview that South Africa was safe for tourists, business travellers and other visitors.

When asked about reported attacks on foreigners, the South African envoy said, “there’s no xenophobia in South Africa.”

Onoh, in a statement issued in Abuja, rejected the claim, saying it failed to account for the experiences of African migrants who live and operate businesses in South Africa.

He alleged that anti-immigrant and xenophobic sentiments continued to pose a significant challenge in parts of the country.

The former lawmaker specifically pointed to reported attacks against foreigners and the activities of Operation Dudula and other organisations known for anti-immigrant campaigns.

Onoh said such activities had generated fear among African migrants and negatively affected their businesses and livelihoods.

He also cited reports from human rights organisations and research institutions which, according to him, had documented incidents of discrimination and attacks against migrants.

Onoh calls for stronger protection

Onoh argued that African migrants should not be blamed for South Africa’s domestic economic and security difficulties.

He alleged that foreigners were sometimes used as scapegoats for wider problems affecting the country.

He therefore urged the South African government to strengthen the protection of foreign nationals and prosecute individuals responsible for attacks and discriminatory actions against migrants.

Onoh also expressed concern over what he described as the silence of some South African officials regarding reported attacks against African migrants.

He said South Africa had a responsibility to uphold the spirit of African solidarity that helped sustain the continent’s struggle against apartheid.

According to him, countries such as Nigeria played an important role in supporting the anti-apartheid struggle, and that history should inform how African nationals are treated in South Africa today.

‘Keep your South Africa, while we keep our Nigeria’

Onoh called for a coordinated response by African countries to reported attacks against migrants in South Africa.

He said African governments should consider reviewing the economic and diplomatic benefits provided to South Africa if the safety and rights of their citizens could not be adequately protected.

He further urged Nigeria to make the safety and dignity of its citizens a priority while calling on South African authorities to confront concerns surrounding xenophobic violence and discrimination.

Concluding his statement, Onoh said: “Keep your South Africa, while we keep our Nigeria.”

He maintained that the South African government should take concrete measures to protect African migrants and promote stronger and more peaceful relations among countries on the continent.

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