Despite renewed xenophobic attacks and rising anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, many Nigerians and Ghanaians living in the country have reportedly chosen to remain, citing family ties, businesses, jobs, and long-term residency commitments.
The development comes amid growing diplomatic tensions between several African countries and South Africa following recent attacks targeting foreign nationals, especially migrants from other African countries.
South Africa has witnessed periodic xenophobic violence over the years, often driven by frustrations over unemployment, crime, and pressure on public services. Migrant rights groups have repeatedly accused local groups of scapegoating foreigners for the country’s economic challenges.
Recent protests have been linked to anti-immigration movements and vigilante groups, including Operation Dudula, which has campaigned against undocumented migrants in several communities.
Evacuation Efforts
Authorities in Nigeria and Ghana had recently announced evacuation and repatriation measures after fresh incidents of violence and intimidation against migrants surfaced online and in affected communities.
According to Reuters, at least 130 Nigerians requested government-assisted repatriation from South Africa following protests in Pretoria and Johannesburg over illegal immigration.
Ghana also announced plans to evacuate about 300 citizens after xenophobic attacks intensified in parts of the country.
Desire to Stay Back by Immigrants
However, reports and reactions from affected communities indicate that a significant number of African migrants are still unwilling to leave South Africa despite fears over safety and security.
Echoing these sentiments, 2027 ADC presidential candidate Peter Obi who just returned to the country from South Africa raised the concerns at a dinner organised for NDC aspirants in Abuja on Monday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the NDC media team, he said despite efforts to facilitate the return of distressed Nigerians from South Africa, many rejected the offer, insisting that conditions in Nigeria were worse.
“I just came back last night from South Africa. You know what Nigerians are going through in South Africa and so many other African countries,” Obi said.
“I finally addressed Nigerians. I told them that if we had things working in our country the way they should be, most of you wouldn’t be here.
“If you don’t know, we provided facilities for them to come back. But most of them told me they would rather die there than come back. They said things are even worse at home.”
Obi said he met with political leaders and former South African President Thabo Mbeki to seek improved relations between South Africans and other African nationals.
“I took time to sit down with three ministers who are leaders of their own parties to plead with them about how things can work between South Africans and other African nationals, and we had a very fruitful discussion,” he added.
Many migrants reportedly believe South Africa still offers better economic opportunities compared to conditions in their home countries, while others say they have built businesses and families over decades of residence.
