…High Commission Sues for Calm, Assures of Repatriation
By Jeremy Fregene
Nigerian nationals stranded in South Africa staged a peaceful protest outside the Nigeria House in Pretoria on Monday, demanding immediate evacuation as tensions rise over renewed anti-migrant sentiment and tightening security measures across the country.
The demonstrators—comprising men, women, and children—expressed frustration over delays, cancellations, and uncertainty surrounding repatriation flights, saying many Nigerians were left stranded without adequate food, shelter, or clear timelines for return.
The protest comes amid ongoing evacuation efforts initiated by the Nigerian government, including a planned Air Peace chartered flight expected to airlift about 270 citizens from Johannesburg to Lagos. However, repeated adjustments to logistics and scheduling have fuelled anxiety among affected nationals.
In response, officials of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria engaged the protesters directly, assuring them that evacuation arrangements remain active and that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of all stranded citizens despite operational and logistical constraints. The High Commission urged calm and reaffirmed that no Nigerian would be abandoned in the process.
The protests are unfolding against a backdrop of heightened anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, where authorities have stepped up nationwide security operations ahead of a June 30 deadline issued by groups demanding that undocumented migrants leave the country.
South African police authorities confirmed an increased nationwide deployment, warning that while peaceful protest would be tolerated, acts of violence, intimidation, or destruction of property would not be allowed. Police leadership said operational readiness had been elevated across all provinces, with a specific focus on protecting public spaces, critical infrastructure, and vulnerable communities.
Defence authorities also indicated that the military had been placed on standby to secure strategic assets such as airports, should the situation escalate beyond police capacity.
The tightening security posture follows weeks of sporadic anti-migrant demonstrations and incidents of violence that have left at least two people dead, prompting several African countries to begin evacuation or repatriation of their citizens from South Africa.
Although the ultimatum issued by anti-immigrant groups has no legal backing, it has intensified fear among foreign nationals, particularly migrants from other African countries, many of whom have faced renewed hostility linked to unemployment pressures and social tensions within South African communities.
Analysts note that South Africa’s persistent unemployment rate—above 30 percent—has continued to fuel resentment against foreign workers, with political actors and civic groups increasingly framing migrants as competitors for scarce jobs and public services.
Civil society observers, including representatives of refugee and migrant advocacy organisations, warn that the rise in vigilante-style mobilisation is further deepening insecurity for foreign nationals and complicating state efforts to maintain order.
As evacuation efforts continue, stranded Nigerians in Pretoria say they are hoping for swift action, insisting that their priority remains safe and immediate return home amid the escalating uncertainty.