Xenophobia threatens Africa’s unity, Nwachukwu warns

Former Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister, Gen Ike Nwachukwu, warned that xenophobia could undo Africa's progress against colonialism and apartheid during the 47th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society of International Law in Lagos. South Africa's Acting Consul-General in Lagos, Ms Kgothatso Xulu, stated that 364 people had been arrested for attacking African migrants.

Nwachukwu stressed that Africans should not replace their past fight against oppression with xenophobia, citing Ghana's first President, Kwame Nkrumah, who said that the freedom of any African nation is tied to the freedom of the entire continent. He cautioned that divisions among African countries could undermine their collective achievements and urged them to work together to build a stronger, economically competitive Africa.

Xulu rejected the notion that South Africa is xenophobic, emphasizing that the actions of a few should not tarnish the country's image. She urged African governments to address economic conditions driving migration and foster stronger cooperation among nations.