Xenophobic attacks have lead to the evacuation of local Nigerians in South Africa.
What We Know:
- Over the last few weeks in South Africa, xenophobia has been at an all-time high. Nigerians are being faced with their businesses being the target of looting and destruction, violent attacks in the streets on men and women as well as South Africans publicly engaging in xenophobia-fueled protests.
- Xenophobia also known as “afrophobia” is the dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries. It has been a present problem within the continent of Africa and especially prevalent in post-apartheid South Africa.
- Over 600 hundred Nigerians, as of this past week, have been evacuated to Nigeria. Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, has offered its service and has been flying them out of the country. With the threat of violence lingering, more Nigerians are expected to continue to choose to be repatriated over the coming weeks.
- The country has received a lot of backlash following the chaos. Nigeria boycotted the World Economic Forum Africa hosted in Cape Town and Zambia and Madagascar have also canceled planned soccer games with South Africa’s national team. South Africa has also temporarily shut down its embassies in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria, for fear of its employees’ safety.
- Many African artists and celebrities have expressed their solidarity in standing against xenophobia and the recent attacks.
With over 20 killings within the past few weeks and over 650 people, arrested it is unclear when or how the xenophobia issue within South Africa will be resolved.
Just left Lagos this morning after speaking at a listening party about the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. This apartheid trauma is rampant, cancerous, and volatile. My heart is heavy. 🇿🇦🇳🇬 #SayNoToXenophobia
— Jidenna (@Jidenna) September 4, 2019
I refuse to watch the barbaric butchering of my people in SA. This is SICK. For this reason I will NOT be performing at the upcoming DSTV delicious Festival in Johannesburg on the 21st of September. My prayers are with all the victims and families affected by this.
— Tiwa Savage (@TiwaSavage) September 4, 2019
This goes against everything I stand 4, but at what point do we take action? I understand that years of Oppression has confused South Africans to the point where they see the pple who came to their defence during their Oppression as their Enemies and then worship their oppressors
— Burna Boy (@burnaboy) September 3, 2019
