The single sharpest fact in two punchy sentences: over 25,000 African migrants have fled South Africa in recent weeks due to protests demanding an end to illegal migration.
In the past weeks, South Africa has seen a wave of anti-migrant protests that have led to the departure of over 25,000 African migrants, including over 25,000 from other African countries and 10,000 Nigerian citizens. The protests, which were largely peaceful but accompanied by isolated incidents of violence against foreigners, were attended by thousands of people who demanded that the government does more to curb illegal migration. The South African authorities say those who have been flown home, including over 600 Nigerians, were in the country illegally – though this is disputed by Nigeria.
The Nigerian government says it will ask South Africa for compensation for the thousands of citizens who fled the country due to the protests. Oghodero Erejor Wilson, a 32-year-old Nigerian trader who has been waiting to be repatriated, said he had lived in South Africa for nearly a decade and had abandoned his business and home because he feared for his safety. ‘I left everything in my house including clothes, I am losing everything because of fear,’ he said.
The Nigerian government says it will seek compensation from South Africa for the properties left behind by its citizens who fled the country. Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa told the BBC that the issue would be discussed between the two governments, adding that all claims would be verified before any formal request was made. Acting High Commissioner to South Africa Alexander Ajayi said the government had begun documenting businesses and properties left behind by Nigerians, including Oghodero Erejor Wilson's abandoned clothing shop.
The South African city of Centurion in Gauteng province, where Wilson ran his clothing business, is home to over 600 000 people. Wilson estimated that the goods left in his shop are worth more than 16,000 rand ($975; £735). Wilson said his residency documents had expired in 2021 and he had been unable to renew them.
The South African police say that about 900 people were arrested, mostly for immigration-related offences and looting, following the recent protests. The police added that the arrested individuals will appear in court in the coming days. Wilson said he does not trust the South African government to provide compensation, saying: ‘If South Africa government can compensate it, it will be nice, but I know they won’t.’
Nigerian Diaspora and Trade
The Nigerian government has been working to ensure the safe repatriation of its citizens from South Africa. The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has facilitated the repatriation of thousands of Nigerians since the protests began.