11/07/2026
The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has staged a protest at the South African High Commission in Abuja and picketed South African-owned businesses, including MTN Nigeria, over the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
Led by its National President, Dr. Meshach Anthony Nwankwo, the protesters marched through Abuja carrying placards with messages such as "MTN Must Go!," "South Africa Must Go,!" and "Justice for Nigerians.
They accused the South African government of failing to protect foreign nationals and called for urgent action to end the recurring attacks.
The protest came after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued by NAUS following reports that two Nigerians were killed during anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa in late June 2026.
Addressing journalists, Dr. Nwankwo said Nigerian students and youths could no longer remain silent while fellow citizens continued to face violent attacks abroad. He called for a thorough investigation into the killings, justice for the victims, compensation for affected families, and stronger protection for Nigerians living in South Africa.
NAUS also urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to take a firmer diplomatic stance, warning that continued attacks on Nigerians could further strain relations between the two countries.
The incident has generated widespread reactions across Nigeria, with some lawmakers reportedly calling for stronger measures against South African-owned businesses if diplomatic efforts fail to secure justice and compensation for the victims.
Similar anti-xenophobia demonstrations have also been reported in parts of West Africa, including Ghana, where youth groups protested at MTN Ghana's headquarters in Accra under the "South Africa Must Go!" campaign.
The renewed protests reflect growing concern across the continent over persistent xenophobic violence in South Africa and renewed calls for stronger regional cooperation to protect the rights and safety of Africans living outside their home countries.
As of the time of reporting, the South African High Commission in Abuja had not released an official statement regarding the protest.
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