Nigeria to Evacuate 271 Citizens from South Africa in Third Phase Amid Xenophobia Concerns
The Nigerian government will evacuate 271 nationals from South Africa on Friday in a third-phase repatriation effort, following xenophobic tensions and nationwide protests in the country.
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The Nigerian government will conduct a third-phase evacuation of its citizens from South Africa on Friday, repatriating 271 nationals amid ongoing concerns over xenophobic attacks and social unrest in the country, according to Peoples Gazette.
The evacuation flight follows nationwide protests in South Africa on Tuesday that disrupted commercial activities and led to the closure of businesses, shopping centres, and malls, as reported by Naija News. The Nigerian consulate has directed returning nationals to present clearance certificates and other documents used during the screening process ahead of the flight.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged the federal government’s intervention, including the deployment of Air Peace to assist in the repatriation of stranded Nigerians, following a surge in xenophobic incidents targeting African nationals in South Africa, Legit.ng reported. The move underscores growing diplomatic and humanitarian concerns over the safety of Nigerian citizens abroad.
Youth leaders in Nigeria have also voiced alarm over the situation. Eze-Onyebuchi Chukwu, Chairman of a youth forum, stated that the xenophobic incidents are undermining the ideals of African unity and peaceful coexistence, as reported by Peoples Gazette. The repatriation effort reflects broader regional tensions around migration and integration within Southern Africa, even as diplomatic channels remain active in addressing citizen safety.