Nigeria and South Africa Clash Over Xenophobia Debate at Commonwealth Conference

A heated dispute erupted between Nigerian and South African lawmakers over how violence against foreigners in South Africa should be described, during the 55th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region Conference in Lilongwe, Malawi. Nigerian lawmakers insisted that attacks targeting foreigners should be openly described as xenophobia, arguing that migrants, including Nigerians, have been victims of killings, harassment and property losses in South Africa. Nigeria claims that at least 98 of its citizens have been killed in South Africa since 2022, while more than 1,500 Nigerians h

A heated dispute erupted between Nigerian and South African lawmakers over how violence against foreigners in South Africa should be described, during the 55th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region Conference in Lilongwe, Malawi. Nigerian lawmakers insisted that attacks targeting foreigners should be openly described as xenophobia, arguing that migrants, including Nigerians, have been victims of killings, harassment and property losses in South Africa. Nigeria claims that at least 98 of its citizens have been killed in South Africa since 2022, while more than 1,500 Nigerians have reportedly returned home because of security concerns. South African lawmakers rejected the idea that the issue should be framed solely as xenophobia. They argued that discussions must also address illegal immigration, border control and enforcement of immigration laws. South Africa maintains that its government condemns xenophobia but has a responsibility to regulate entry into the country and enforce its immigration laws. The disagreement reflects a broader diplomatic tension between the two African powers over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa. Nigeria has repeatedly called for stronger measures to protect its citizens, while South Africa argues that concerns over undocumented migration cannot simply be dismissed. The two sides also disagreed over casualty figures linked to recent incidents, further complicating discussions. The debate ended without a common position on how the issue should be defined, highlighting the continuing challenges surrounding xenophobia, migration and relations between Nigeria and South Africa.