The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has raised the alarm over escalating hostility, harassment, and alleged police brutality against Nigerians and other Africans nationals.
NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, who raised the alarm, said the situation called for urgent intervention by Nigerian and African leaders.
Onyekwelu said “we are alarmed by the increasing normalisation of hostility, manifested through inflammatory rhetoric by certain political actors, unlawful intimidation, and discriminatory enforcement practices by some law enforcement personnel.
“These actions not only undermine human dignity, but also threaten the long-standing bonds of African solidarity.
“On behalf of the Nigerian community, I appeal to President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives to act with urgency, firmness, and strategic diplomacy in tackling these development.”
The NICASA leaders called for stronger diplomatic engagement, accountability for erring officers, and the creation of mechanisms to document and address xenophobic abuses.
“Nigerians in South Africa are law-abiding, economically contributing, and socially integrated members of society. The reckless stereotyping and collective criminalisation of our people must stop.
“NICASA reiterates its commitment to peace, lawful conduct, and constructive engagement within our host nation. We urge compatriots to remain calm, vigilant, and compliant with the laws of South Africa, while we pursue diplomatic and institutional remedies,” he said.
