Again and again, South Africa has betrayed Africa’s brotherhood

The last may not have been heard from the Afrophobic-xenophobic outrages against other African nationals by the South Africans. However, starting from the conclusion, I can assure the world that Nigeria and its citizens will never retaliate.

But the disturbing scenes that unfolded across South Africa on June 30, as thousands of protesters marched through major cities chanting, “They must go!” should trouble every African. Beyond the destruction of businesses, intimidation and reported deaths, the protests have exposed a dangerous crack in the foundation of African solidarity. It is a crack that, if left unattended, could weaken decades of continental cooperation and betray the sacrifices that built today’s democratic South Africa.

Every sovereign nation has the right to enforce its immigration laws. No responsible person supports illegal migration or overstaying visas. Nations must know who enters and exits their lands, while undocumented migrants should be processed and, where necessary, deported in accordance with the law.

Nevertheless, there is a world of difference between lawful immigration enforcement and xenophobic violence. No African deserves to be hunted, beaten, humiliated or killed simply because he or she comes from another African nation; the rule of law must always prevail over mob justice.

What makes the South African situation particularly painful is history. Modern South Africa did not attain freedom in isolation. Throughout the dark years of apartheid, African nations stood shoulder to shoulder with the oppressed majority. Among them, Nigeria occupied a unique position as the continent’s big brother.

Nigeria did not merely issue statements of solidarity; it invested huge political, diplomatic and financial capital in the struggle against apartheid. Successive Nigerian governments mobilised international opinion against the racist regime, imposed sanctions long before many Western nations did, funded liberation movements and provided scholarships, accommodation and opportunities to South Africans forced into exile.

Nigerian workers voluntarily contributed to the Southern Africa Relief Fund. Nigerian musicians, students, labour unions and civil society organisations organised campaigns in support of South Africa’s liberation. Nigeria sacrificed economic interests and diplomatic relationships because it believed that the freedom of South Africans was inseparable from Africa’s collective dignity.

Names such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and other anti-apartheid symbols became household names in Nigeria long before apartheid finally collapsed.

That solidarity was never transactional, as Nigeria asked for nothing in return except the hope that a democratic South Africa would become a pillar of African unity and shared prosperity.

Today, many Nigerians (and indeed many Africans) feel that hope is being betrayed. Sadly, this is not the first wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Similar incidents have erupted repeatedly over the past two decades, often targeting Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Mozambicans, Ethiopians, Somalis, Congolese and other Africans whose only crime is seeking better economic opportunities.

More troubling is the perception that the South African government has failed to respond with the urgency and firmness the situation demands.

Political calculations ahead of elections must never become an excuse for tolerating violence against fellow Africans. Governments are elected to protect lives, enforce laws and preserve constitutional order and not to allow extremist groups to dictate national policy.

The continued silence or soft response from authorities sends the wrong message. It emboldens those who believe violence is an acceptable instrument for resolving social and economic frustrations.

The truth is that migrants are not the cause of South Africa’s deep structural problems. Unemployment, poverty, inequality, inadequate public services and crime are complex challenges requiring sound economic policies, quality education, industrial growth and effective governance. Blaming migrants merely creates convenient scapegoats while leaving the real problems unresolved. History has shown repeatedly that societies rarely become prosperous by turning against foreigners.

The consequences extend far beyond South Africa’s borders.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was built on the vision of freer movement of people, goods, services and investments. Persistent xenophobia undermines that vision and weakens investor confidence. It discourages tourism, reduces business partnerships and creates diplomatic tensions among nations that should be working together.

South African companies have built significant commercial footprints across Africa. While governments must resist retaliatory measures against innocent businesses or citizens, public anger inevitably affects consumer confidence, investment decisions and diplomatic relations.

More seriously, Africa cannot afford deeper divisions at a time when the continent faces terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, economic instability, climate challenges and intense geopolitical competition among global powers seeking influence on the continent; Africa needs unity more than ever.

This is where the African Union must demonstrate leadership. The continental body should not remain a passive observer while xenophobia threatens one of its founding ideals. It should facilitate dialogues, encourage stronger legal protections for migrants, promote responsible border management and insist that member states uphold both national sovereignty and human dignity.

For South Africa, the path forward is neither difficult nor impossible. The government must firmly prosecute perpetrators of xenophobic violence, strengthen lawful immigration management, accelerate documentation processes for legitimate migrants and educate citizens that criminality has no nationality. At the same time, African governments should cooperate more effectively on migration, intelligence sharing and employment opportunities to reduce irregular migration.

The dream of African brotherhood must never become another casualty of politics.

Nigeria’s sacrifices during South Africa’s struggle for freedom were made in the belief that Africa rises or falls together, a principle that remains true today.

South Africa owes Africa, and especially nations like Nigeria, not hostility but gratitude, partnership and respect. African unity cannot survive where suspicion replaces solidarity, where violence replaces dialogue and where fellow Africans become strangers on African soil.