Nigeria has condemned the killing of two of its citizens in South Africa, warning of possible retaliation if the trend of anti-foreigner violence continues. The Nigerian foreign ministry announced on Sunday that Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe were killed on June 28, with Iroegbu allegedly dying at the hands of police officers using gruesome interrogation techniques, while Joe was attacked by unidentified assailants outside his shop in eMalahleni.
Rising Anti-Migrant Sentiment
The foreign ministry stated that these incidents occurred amid a surge in anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, which has led to the repatriation of roughly 25,000 citizens from other African countries, including some 700 Nigerians. Protesters in South Africa have urged the government to curb illegal migration, claiming foreigners take jobs and unfairly benefit from public services.
Nigeria Places South Africa on Notice
Abuja said it was placing the South African government on notice, warning that all options remain on the table if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behavior against foreigners is not addressed. Nigeria has also sought compensation for its citizens who have left the country and has begun documenting businesses and properties left behind by Nigerians.
South Africa's Response
South African cabinet minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni rejected the compensation demand, stating that Nigerians can sell registered properties they left behind on the South African market. She also made controversial remarks about Nigerian drug dens, which the Nigerian foreign ministry condemned as unacceptable hate speech.
Condemnation of Hate Speech
Nigeria's foreign ministry strongly condemned Ntshavheni's comments, calling them derogatory, unprofessional, and uncensored. The ministry said such generalized public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech.
