Nigeria evacuates citizens from South Africa as anti-migrant sentiment rises

5 articles

3 sources

0% diversity

Updated 11.6.2026

Key Topics & People

South Africa *Xenophobia Malawi xenophobic attacks Johannesburg

Coverage Framing

Human Interest(3)

Diplomatic(2)

Avg Factuality:70%

Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

Jun 11, 2026

2 articles|2 sources

south africaanti-migrant sentimentxenophobic threatsmalawian migrantsevacuations

Human Interest(2)

BBC News - WorldJun 11

Nigeria evacuates citizens from South Africa as anti-migrant sentiment rises

Nigeria has repatriated 268 of its citizens from South Africa due to rising anti-migrant sentiment and xenophobic attacks. The flight landed in Lagos after departing Johannesburg, with approximately 1,000 Nigerians registered for repatriation. This follows similar evacuations by Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Many African migrants moved to South Africa after 1994 seeking better opportunities, but high unemployment has fueled anti-migrant feelings and attacks. One repatriated Nigerian stated he was leaving due to unsafe conditions and the killing of fellow citizens, having himself been targeted.

MeasuredFactual3 sources

Negative

Al JazeeraJun 11

Thousands of Malawians flee homes in South Africa amid xenophobic threats

Thousands of Malawian migrants, including many children, are sheltering in a Durban park after fleeing escalating anti-immigrant threats and attacks in South Africa. Groups armed with weapons have been marching through the country, demanding foreigners without documentation leave by June 30. Many of the displaced individuals view repatriation as their only safe option, citing fear for their safety and the loss of their homes and belongings. These anti-migrant marches have received backing from the MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma. The situation has forced families to abandon their lives, with children even missing school exams due to the expulsions.

Mixed toneFactual3 sources

Negative

Key Claims

factual

Nigeria has repatriated 268 citizens from South Africa due to rising anti-migrant sentiment.

— Nigerian consulate in South Africa

factual

Around 1,000 Nigerians have registered for repatriation from South Africa.

— Nigerian consulate in South Africa

factual

Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi have also evacuated citizens from South Africa.

quote

I'm leaving because of the conditions they've given us here. They say we must leave on or before 30th June. And because of the way they are killing people, killing our brothers, so I'm not safe.

— Justin (Nigerian passenger)

factual

Thousands of Malawians are sheltering in a Durban park after fleeing xenophobic threats and attacks in South Africa.

Jun 9, 2026

1 articles|1 sources

xenophobic attacksnigeria-south africa tensionsanti-immigration protestsundocumented migrantsretaliatory measures

Diplomatic(1)

Al JazeeraJun 9

Why are Nigeria-South Africa tensions rising amid xenophobic attacks?

Nigeria has threatened retaliatory measures against South Africa following the repatriation of hundreds of Nigerians amid alleged xenophobic attacks. Diplomatic tensions have escalated due to violent anti-immigration protests by South Africans, who claim undocumented migrants contribute to unemployment and strain public services. Nigeria's Foreign Minister accused South Africa of failing to condemn the violence, citing the deaths of at least two Nigerian men in April. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced stricter measures against employers of undocumented workers and plans for dedicated deportation courts, while also warning against vigilantism. Nigeria is considering retaliatory actions in response to the attacks on its nationals.

Mixed toneFactual3 sources

Negative

Key Claims

statistic

Statistics South Africa reported 2.4 million foreign nationals in 2022, comprising 3.7% of the total population.

— Statistics South Africa

factual

Nigeria has threatened retaliatory measures against South Africa after repatriating hundreds of Nigerians amid alleged xenophobic attacks.

quote

Nigerian Foreign Minister accused South Africa of failing to denounce violence against Nigerian nationals.

— Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

factual

At least two Nigerian men died in April during the latest wave of violence in South Africa.

factual

South Africa has seen three waves of anti-immigration protests since 2008, resulting in casualties and property looting.

Jun 8, 2026

2 articles|2 sources

xenophobiasouth africarepatriationviolenceimmigrant backlash

Diplomatic(1)

BBC News - WorldJun 8

Malawians repatriated from South Africa amid xenophobia concerns

Malawi, along with other African nations, is repatriating citizens from South Africa due to concerns over xenophobia and reported violence against migrants. Ghana recently organized flights for nearly 300 and then another 680 citizens returning from Johannesburg. South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola disputed claims made by Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding the deaths and hospitalizations of Ghanaians due to attacks, stating his government had no information to support these reports. Ghana's minister expressed pride in his country's solidarity and reiterated a call for the African Union to investigate the situation. Nigeria has postponed its first planned evacuation flight for 270 citizens.

Mixed toneFactual2 sources

Negative

Human Interest(1)

The Guardian - World NewsJun 8

‘Extreme fear’ among immigrants as backlash sweeps South Africa

African migrants in South Africa are experiencing "extreme fear" due to a surge in anti-immigration sentiment, fueled by recent marches organized by groups like March & March. These campaigns, which have given undocumented immigrants an ultimatum to leave by June 30, have reignited xenophobic tensions. The violence has led to deaths, with Mozambique reporting five citizens killed in late May, and some migrants seeking shelter and government assistance to return home. This backlash is occurring amidst high unemployment and economic hardship in South Africa, with some political parties leveraging the issue for electoral gain. While President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged concerns about illegal immigration and promised a crackdown, he has also warned against lawlessness.

Mixed toneFactual5 sources

Negative

Key Claims

factual

Ghana organized a repatriation flight from Johannesburg for nearly 300 of its citizens.

quote

South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola accused his Ghanaian counterpart of spreading misinformation about xenophobia in South Africa.

— South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola

quote

Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reiterated a call for the African Union (AU) to investigate what was happening regarding attacks on foreigners.

— Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

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Ronald Lamola disputed that two Nigerians and five Mozambicans had died in separate acts of violence.

— Ronald Lamola

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Ghana's government asked South Africa to compensate repatriated Ghanaians for property left behind.

— Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa