Nigerians Condemn Fresh Wave of Xenophobic Threats in South Africa

Nigerians living in South Africa have raised the alarm over a renewed wave of xenophobic threats and harassment allegedly orchestrated by the anti-migrant group, Operation Dudula.

The group, which claims to be targeting illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and job losses linked to foreigners, has been accused of blocking access to public hospitals, attacking immigrants, and harassing foreign-owned businesses.

In a viral video that sparked outrage, one of the group’s leaders was seen ordering foreigners out of a public hospital, declaring: “If you know yourself that you are not a South African, please stand up. Stand up right now. Don’t try us because we are going to check everybody.”

Leaders of Nigerian communities in South Africa said the latest developments mirror previous xenophobic outbreaks and warned of dire consequences if urgent diplomatic action is not taken.

Frank Onyekwelu, President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, described the situation as “another wave of xenophobia” deliberately targeted at foreign nationals.

“We have cried out at this ill-treatment, which we see as another form of xenophobic attack, as they are expressing hate and injustice against foreign nationals. We are not happy with it,” he said.

Onyekwelu revealed that disturbing cases have been reported, including women giving birth on bare floors outside hospitals without medical assistance, and patients being discharged without treatment.

“Imagine a woman giving birth on a bare floor in front of a hospital without antenatal care. Some patients are being forced out without treatment, and if it is a life-and-death situation, they could die like chickens,” he lamented.

According to him, Nigerian doctors and private clinics have stepped in to help some victims pending a resolution.

Smart Nwobi, President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, also condemned the harassment, citing a recent case where a nursing mother was barred from immunising her baby at a public hospital.

“It is really alarming. We are appealing to the government to deploy security agents to protect public facilities so that criminals will not continue taking the law into their hands,” he said.

Nwobi further noted the irony of some Operation Dudula members, saying the leader in the viral hospital video holds both South African and Nigerian citizenship.

“For these people, if you can’t speak the South African language, you are not a citizen. But they forget that naturalisation also confers citizenship,” he added.

He described the group as “criminals” whose activities run contrary to Section 27 of the South African Constitution, which guarantees everyone the right to access healthcare services.

Despite repeated condemnation from South African authorities, the group’s activities appear to be escalating. Nigerian community leaders are urging both Abuja and Pretoria to engage diplomatically before the situation deteriorates further.