Nigerian residents in South Africa have pleaded with President Cyril Ramaphosa, to safeguard them and their properties from xenophobic violence. ayokinews.com reports
The Nigerian community in South Africa, represented by the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), raised concerns in the wake of recent anti-foreigner rallies in the country.
In a statement, Collins Mgbo, President of NUSA, claimed tensions rose when a group of 2,000 people organized a demonstration against migrant workers as part of “Operation Dudula.”
Dudula, a Zulu word meaning “drive back,” has become a symbol of South Africa’s growing anti-immigrant prejudice.
“I call on President Cyril Ramaphosa to help our community during this trying time so that we may not lose our brothers again to xenophobic attacks,” Mgbo said.
“The Operation Dudula group turned up in a mob of several hundreds at a migrant centre in South Africa’s Soweto township, with the unemployed, wielding weapons and angry with foreigners they accuse of taking their jobs, chanting “foreigners, go home”.
“We are concerned because, in the past, xenophobic protests have led to violence and looting of shops owned by foreigners.”
“In 2008, the attacks against foreigners left at least 62 people dead, and in 2015, seven innocent African brothers were killed.”
“Armed mobs descended on foreign-owned businesses in Johannesburg in 2019. Another mob attack left at least 12 people dead.”
Fresh Xenophobic Attack In South-Africa As Violent Group Threatens Foreign Nationals
“In recent weeks, scores of protesters have been staging demonstrations against undocumented migrants in what they have dubbed Operation Dudula, and this time, we do not know how many foreign nationals would sacrifice their lives for it.”
Mgbo said that the president and other leaders had criticized the group’s activities, including Julius Malema, the EFF’s commander-in-chief, and Mmusi Maimane.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa voiced out his concern stating that his government was closely watching ongoing anti-migrant protests to prevent them from resulting into xenophobic attacks, amid growing public anger at foreigners,” he added.
“Ramaphosa said his government is aware of pockets of groupings that are trying to paint negative attitudes and feelings toward foreigners.”
“The president said the law enforcement agencies are keeping a watchful eye on the way that people are responding to the presence of people from other countries in our own country.”
