Nigeria has completed the voluntary repatriation of 1,490 citizens from South Africa following weeks of xenophobic violence and anti-immigration protests that forced thousands of foreign nationals to flee.
The final government-arranged evacuation flight arrived in Lagos from Johannesburg, carrying 305 Nigerian citizens and bringing the repatriation exercise to a close.
The evacuation was launched after a wave of anti-immigrant demonstrations and attacks targeted foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting concerns over the safety of migrant communities. Many of those returning to Nigeria said they had abandoned businesses, homes and personal belongings while fleeing the violence.
The Nigerian government has strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable, and has pledged to support returning citizens as they reintegrate into their communities. Authorities have also said they are documenting losses suffered by affected Nigerians and continue to pursue the matter through diplomatic channels with the South African government.
South Africa has experienced recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the years, often fueled by high unemployment, economic pressures and accusations that undocumented migrants compete for jobs and public services. The recent unrest also prompted other African countries to organize evacuation flights for their nationals.
While South African authorities have vowed to investigate acts of violence and prosecute those responsible, regional leaders have called for calm and urged governments to address the underlying causes of anti-immigrant tensions while protecting the rights and safety of all residents.
