Obasanjo condemns xenophobia in South Africa, recalls Nigeria’s anti-apartheid role

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned the xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa, urging authorities and citizens to address illegal migration through legal means rather than violence or property destruction. During an interview on C-Suite Café, Obasanjo recalled Nigeria's financial and diplomatic support for the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, emphasizing that the country's involvement was based on principle and opposition to racial discrimination.

He highlighted Nigeria's significant role in the eventual dismantling of apartheid, praising the country's leadership and interventions. Obasanjo also addressed the issue of undocumented migrants in South Africa, stating that the existence of such migrants does not justify unlawful actions against them. He urged for a more nuanced response to illegal migration, questioning assumptions linking migrants to crime and highlighting the potential economic contributions of migrants to job creation and economic activity.

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