Senate Warns South Africa Over Fresh Xenophobic Attacks, Threatens Diplomatic Consequences

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Nigerian Senate has strongly condemned the latest wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa, warning that Abuja may be compelled to review its diplomatic ties with Pretoria if the violence continues unabated.

The lawmakers expressed their concerns during plenary on Tuesday following a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who drew attention to reports of a June 30, 2026 ultimatum allegedly issued against Nigerians residing in South Africa.

Describing the development as a serious threat to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerian citizens, Ekpeyong urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to protect Nigerians and their businesses from further attacks.

During an extensive debate, several senators voiced frustration over recurring incidents of xenophobia in South Africa and called for stronger diplomatic action.

Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central) argued that Nigeria could no longer remain passive while its citizens were being attacked.

“We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted. This is the starting point for a very robust engagement,” he said, urging the Federal Government to consider severing diplomatic relations with South Africa.

However, some lawmakers cautioned against hasty decisions. Senator Yahaya Abdullahi suggested that the attacks could be linked to broader political tensions within South Africa, warning that external actors might be seeking to undermine the country’s government.

He also expressed concern over the poor funding of Nigeria’s foreign missions, noting that inadequate resources have limited the country’s ability to effectively protect its citizens abroad.

Following deliberations, the Senate adopted a series of resolutions aimed at safeguarding Nigerians in South Africa. Lawmakers directed the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to obtain formal assurances from South African authorities regarding the safety of Nigerians and to press for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.

The Senate further mandated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and the Nigerian High Commission to compile comprehensive records of Nigerians affected by the attacks, including those who suffered deaths, injuries, displacement, unlawful detention, or property losses. The documentation is expected to support efforts to secure legal redress and compensation for victims.

In addition, lawmakers called for closer collaboration between Nigeria, other affected African countries, and the African Union to establish an early-warning and accountability framework capable of preventing future xenophobic violence across the continent.

The upper chamber also tasked its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs with reviewing the implementation of previous Senate resolutions on xenophobia, including the May 5, 2026 resolution and existing bilateral agreements between Nigeria and South Africa. The committees are expected to report their findings within two legislative weeks.

The debate intensified when Senator Abdul Ningi proposed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should begin preparations to cut diplomatic ties with South Africa if attacks on Nigerians persist.

Similarly, Senator Adams Oshiomhole suggested that profits generated by South African companies operating in Nigeria could be redirected toward compensating victims of xenophobic attacks.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, urged restraint and successfully persuaded both lawmakers to withdraw their proposals pending the outcome of the Senate committee’s investigation.

The latest Senate intervention comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, where repeated xenophobic attacks over the years have strained relations between Africa’s two largest economies and sparked calls for stronger protections for foreign nationals.