•Nigerians gather at High Commission in South Africa
Nigerians resident in South Africa have decried the delay in their repatriation from the troubled country by the federal government.
They lamented that the government had yet to give them “concrete” answers about when they would be airlifted to Nigeria, reports Channels TV.
But the High Commission assured the Nigerian nationals that plans to repatriate citizens wishing to return home remain in place, despite a temporary suspension caused by operational constraints.
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, disclosed this while addressing concerned and frustrated members of the Nigerian community in Pretoria, many of whom had gathered to seek assistance with voluntary repatriation.
The development comes as the June 30 deadline approaches and amid heightened debate over immigration in South Africa.
Anti-Migrant Deadline
South African police said yesterday that they would strengthen deployments nationwide ahead of a June 30 deadline set by fringe anti-illegal immigration groups for undocumented foreigners to leave, law enforcement authorities said yesterday.
The country has been on edge following weeks of sometimes violent xenophobic unrest that has left at least two people dead.
Small but organised groups have issued an ultimatum for undocumented migrants to exit or face consequences, a demand with no legal force.
“The South African Police Service has elevated its operational readiness across all provinces, with comprehensive deployment plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure and key public spaces,” acting police minister Firoz Cachalia said.
He stressed the right to peaceful protest but warned: “Criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated”.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said the military would secure strategic sites such as airports and stand ready to assist police if needed.
South Africa faces joblessness above 30 per cent and a history of periodic anti-foreigner violence, fuelled by claims migrants drive crime and steal jobs.
Past flare-ups have been deadly: 62 people were killed in 2008 riots, with further outbreaks in 2015 and 2016.
Violence in 2019 saw armed mobs descend on foreign-owned businesses around Johannesburg, leaving at least 12 people dead — 10 of them South African citizens.
The latest tensions come ahead of local government elections scheduled for November 4.
