Nigeria and South Africa tried to ease tensions after violent anti-migrant protests. But the rift is back

Abuja, Nigeria — Tensions between Nigeria and South Africa have flared up once again following violent anti-migrant protests in the latter country. South African authorities have given undocumented migrants until the end of the month to depart the nation, a move that echoes a previous deadline that had already expired.

While the threat of deportation lacks legal weight, it has sparked significant unrest between Africa's most populous nation and its wealthiest. The situation has caused major ripples in Nigeria, with some Nigerians affected by the unrest either leaving the country or closing businesses in fear for their safety. Many are also keeping their children out of schools.

The root cause of the tensions lies in South Africa's economic challenges, with protesters blaming migrants for high unemployment, pressure on public services, and rising crime rates. Fola Aina, an international security analyst specializing in development studies, explains that in the current political climate, migrants often become convenient scapegoats for these issues.

Nigeria reports that nearly 100 of its citizens have lost their lives in mob attacks and other incidents linked to anti-migrant violence in South Africa since 2022. This hostility stems from longstanding negative perceptions of Nigerians in South Africa, fueled by alleged involvement in organized crime, drug trafficking, and financial fraud.

The fallout of the conflict is also reverberating in Nigeria's capital, Abuja. The country's parliament has suspended official visits and legislative engagements with South Africa as anger grows over the treatment of Nigerians. The recent deaths of two more Nigerians in South Africa have further exacerbated the diplomatic rift between the two nations.

The latest unrest was reportedly sparked by anti-migrant rhetoric that had been building for months. Groups like March and March had been vocal in their opposition to illegal immigration, leading to the recent protests and heightened tensions between Nigeria and South Africa.