Nigerian foreign minister decries xenophobic violence in South Africa, demands investigation into deaths

Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has condemned the worsening situation for foreigners in South Africa and called for an investigation into the deaths of two Nigerian citizens. Recent events indicate a rise in xenophobic violence, prompting many migrants to leave the country. Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated there is "no sign" of improvement and announced new evacuation flights, following previous repatriations of hundreds of Nigerian nationals. She specifically requested investigations into the deaths of Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, which she attributes to ongoing xenophobic protests and attacks against migrants. South African police, however, said Musa Yunana Joe's shooting death was not linked to protests, and Charles Iroegbu's death occurred during his arrest for alleged drug possession, where he collapsed and could not be revived. Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asked Nigerian authorities for details to support their claims, stating that the South African government has repeatedly asked the Nigerian High Commission for any information that could lead to prosecution. The anti-migrant campaign, fueled by online xenophobic messages, has led to intimidation and violence, causing tens of thousands of foreigners, including those legally residing, to flee. The violence has resulted in at least four deaths, including two Mozambicans, one Malawian, and one Ethiopian, along with looting and arson. Last week, diplomatic t