India, South Africa and the BRICS moment: From shared voice to shared power

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned the xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants in South Africa, urging authorities and citizens to address illegal migration through the law instead of violence. During an interview on C-Suite Café, Obasanjo emphasized that Nigeria's support for the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa was driven by principles of racial equality and opposition to discrimination, not by any expectation of reward.

He highlighted Nigeria's significant role in dismantling apartheid, stating that the country's leadership and interventions played a crucial part in ending the oppressive system. Obasanjo recalled collaborating with various international and African leaders, including Andrew Young, James Callaghan, Samora Machel, and Kenneth Kaunda.

Regarding the treatment of migrants in South Africa, Obasanjo stressed that the presence of undocumented migrants should not justify unlawful actions against them. He cautioned against using illegal actions to respond to illegal migration, warning that such behavior undermines the rule of law. Obasanjo also questioned the assumptions linking migrants to crime, inquiring about the proportion of foreign nationals involved in criminal activity and their contributions to the economy.

He argued that resentment against migrants is often tied to broader governance and economic challenges, suggesting that political pressure on African governments can exacerbate anti-immigrant sentiment when citizens' expectations are unmet. The former president's remarks come amidst ongoing debates over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa, where tensions have escalated due to concerns over undocumented migration, unemployment, crime, and competition for economic opportunities. Research suggests that migrants can contribute positively to job creation and economic activity.