Nigerians criticize federal government's 'weak' response to xenophobic attacks in South Africa, citing Ghana's proactive measures
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
Nigerians at home and abroad are expressing outrage over the Federal Government's handling of recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, contrasting it with Ghana's swift diplomatic intervention. The criticism follows an advisory from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NiDCOM on Friday, urging Nigerians in South Africa to stay indoors and temporarily close businesses due to anticipated violence. This warning was prompted by an official circular from the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, dated April 22, 2026, detailing violent demonstrations in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, which resulted in looting, property damage, and injuries. NiDCOM also indicated planned protests in Gauteng Province between April 27 and 29, 2026, aimed at pressuring the South African government regarding foreign nationals. Many Nigerians view the advisory as a reflection of 'passive diplomacy,' arguing that it places the burden on victims rather than confronting perpetrators. They highlight Ghana's response to a xenophobic incident involving one of its citizens, where Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Ablakwa, announced the government would relocate the victim, Emmanuel Asamoa, and engaged directly with South African authorities, demanding accountability. Foreign policy experts and civil society actors describe Nigeria's approach as reactive and lacking strategic depth, warning that it could erode Nigeria's influence on the continent. Emerging insight
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