NYSF CONDEMNS BARBARIC XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS IN SOUTH AFRICA, REJECTS INSULTING ‘NO COMPENSATION’ STANCE

NYSF CONDEMNS BARBARIC XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS IN SOUTH AFRICA, REJECTS INSULTING ‘NO COMPENSATION’ STANCE

Abuja, Nigeria – July 5, 2026

The National Youth Stakeholders Forum (NYSF) views with utter disgust and deep sadness the ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerian citizens and other African nationals in South Africa. These attacks, which have been escalating with a chilling “leave or return in a coffin” ultimatum , represent a grave violation of human rights and the principles of African unity.

Since the latest wave of violence erupted, reports indicate that over 859 Nigerians have been forced to flee South Africa . We have witnessed horrific scenes where our compatriots have lost their livelihoods, sources of income, and in some cases, their lives. The fact that foreign nationals, including women and children, have been chased from their homes, attacked with weapons, and threatened with death if they remain beyond the 30 June deadline is a testament to the deep-seated hatred and lawlessness being condoned in South Africa .

We are particularly outraged by the insensitive and derogatory response from the South African government. While thousands of our people have lost everything; homes, businesses, and properties, South African authorities have not only ruled out any form of compensation but have also resorted to throwing insults and fueling the fire of hatred .

The statement from South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, ridiculing the losses of Nigerians and making inflammatory remarks about “drug dens” is a new low in diplomatic discourse . This is not merely a refusal to take responsibility; it is a deliberate attempt to dehumanize our people and justify the criminal violence against them. To claim that Nigerians’ properties are not legitimate because they are in informal settlements is to conveniently ignore that many of these individuals were law-abiding residents whose lives have been turned upside down by mob violence .

The NYSF condemns the South African government’s complicity by omission. While President Cyril Ramaphosa has made statements condemning the violence, the government has failed to take decisive action to protect foreign nationals or prosecute the perpetrators of these heinous crimes .

This crisis is not a product of “illegal immigration” alone; it is a political enterprise co-produced by vigilante groups and the state through acts of commission and omission. Politicians, seeking to exploit economic frustrations ahead of local elections, have fueled this fire, scapegoating migrants for South Africa’s own domestic failures: unemployment, inequality, and corruption . This is a tragic irony. As The Guardian aptly noted, South Africans who once fought against the oppressive system of apartheid are now exporting oppression against their fellow Africans .

The NYSF stands firmly in solidarity with the victims of these attacks. We applaud the Federal Government of Nigeria for documenting the losses and evacuating our citizens . However, documentation is not enough.

We demand:

1. Immediate Compensation: The South African government must take full responsibility and pay compensation to all Nigerian and African victims who have lost property and livelihoods due to these xenophobic attacks.
2. Protection of Rights: The South African authorities must provide immediate and effective protection for all foreign nationals in their country, ensuring their safety against hate groups.
3. Prosecution of Perpetrators: Those responsible for planning and executing these violent attacks and threats must be brought to justice without delay.
4. A Formal Apology: The South African government and its officials must retract their insulting comments and issue a formal apology to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its citizens.

National Youth Stakeholders Forum has directed its legal affairs directorate to commence strict legal action against this heinous crimes against humanity at a court of competent jurisdiction i.e. The International criminal court of justice accordingly.

We will not stand by while African brothers and sisters are killed, robbed, and degraded. The principles of Pan-Africanism cannot remain a slogan while we allow our people to be treated as second-class citizens in a continent that fought for liberation.

We warn the South African government: You cannot expect our cooperation, trade, and brotherhood while you allow our citizens to be slaughtered and then ridicule their loss.

Signed,
Amb. Olugbenga George O.G
National Publicity Secretary,
National Youth Stakeholders Forum (NYSF)