ABUJA, Nigeria — Relations between Nigeria and South Africa are facing renewed strain after anti-migrant protests in South Africa triggered fresh fears among Nigerian communities and prompted a stronger diplomatic response from Abuja.

Protest groups have called on undocumented migrants to leave South Africa by September 30. The deadline has no legal authority, but Nigerian community representatives say it has created widespread anxiety. Some Nigerians have reportedly left the country, closed businesses, moved closer to diplomatic facilities for safety or kept their children away from school.

The latest tensions follow months of demonstrations over immigration. Protesters have blamed foreign nationals for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. Analysts say economic insecurity and high unemployment have contributed to an environment in which migrants can become targets of public frustration.

Nigerians have been among the communities particularly affected. Nigerian officials said in July that at least 98 Nigerians had been killed in mob attacks, hate-related violence and other incidents in South Africa since 2022. The figure is a claim by Nigerian authorities and has not been independently verified in full.

The latest crisis intensified after two Nigerian nationals died in South Africa in September.

Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry said Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle was killed at his home in Johannesburg on September 4. The ministry also said James Uchechukwu Nwankwo died on September 5 after what Nigerian officials described as abusive interrogation by South African police.

South African police have disputed the account concerning Nwankwo. Police said he had been arrested on suspicion of drug possession and developed breathing difficulties while being transported to a police station. Authorities said an inquest had been opened and that there were no visible signs that he had been assaulted.

The deaths have added to an already difficult diplomatic relationship. Nigeria’s National Assembly suspended official visits and parliamentary engagements with South Africa in September, citing continuing concerns about Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and losing businesses or property during attacks.

The move came only weeks after the two governments attempted to ease tensions.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola traveled to Abuja in July for talks with Nigerian officials. Both sides discussed the protection of foreign nationals and condemned xenophobic violence. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has also publicly rejected xenophobia, Afrophobia, vigilantism and discrimination against migrants.

Despite those efforts, anti-migrant protests have continued. Demonstrations took place in cities including Johannesburg and Durban, while previous unrest around a June 30 deadline prompted thousands of foreign nationals to seek repatriation or leave the country.

South African government figures cited in recent reporting indicate that tens of thousands of foreign nationals have been processed for voluntary repatriation or deportation since the migration tensions escalated. Nigerians are among the communities affected, although migrants from several other African countries have also returned home.

The dispute has also developed into a disagreement over the financial consequences of the unrest.

Nigeria has sought compensation for citizens who lost businesses or property during the violence. South Africa, meanwhile, has said it intends to seek reimbursement from African governments for the costs associated with repatriating and deporting their nationals.

The dispute is significant because Nigeria and South Africa are two of the continent’s most influential countries. Their relationship has previously been strained by xenophobic violence, deportations and disputes involving their citizens.

In 2019, for example, attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa prompted Nigeria to evacuate hundreds of citizens and boycott a major economic forum in Cape Town. South African diplomatic facilities in Nigeria were also temporarily closed after retaliatory attacks on South African-owned businesses.

The latest confrontation follows a similar pattern: violence against foreign nationals leads to public anger in Nigeria, diplomatic pressure increases and both governments attempt to restore relations.

Analysts say the current dispute could affect more than migration policy if tensions continue. Prolonged diplomatic friction could complicate commercial relations and cooperation on regional security and economic integration.

For Nigerians living in South Africa, however, the immediate concern remains personal safety. With another protest deadline approaching at the end of September, community leaders and officials are watching closely for signs of further violence while the two governments face pressure to turn diplomatic assurances into concrete protection for migrants.

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