Nigeria–South Africa Tensions Rise as Fani-Kayode Issues Strong Warning

Former Aviation Minister and Nigerian High Commissioner designate to South Africa Femi Fani-Kayode has issued a stern warning to the South African government, saying Nigeria’s patience is “wearing thin” over the continued killings of Nigerian nationals and rising xenophobic tensions in the country.

In a strongly worded statement, Fani-Kayode reacted to the recent deaths of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, two Nigerians who were killed in separate incidents in Johannesburg earlier this month. He urged South African authorities to protect Nigerians and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

According to reports, Bishop Fakunle was shot dead at his home in Johannesburg after allegedly receiving threats, while Nwankwo died following what Nigerian officials described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” involving members of the South African Police Service. South African authorities have not publicly confirmed Fani-Kayode’s allegations regarding police responsibility, and investigations into the incidents are ongoing.

“If this vicious cycle of discrimination against and killing of our nationals does not stop, there will be consequences. Simply put, our patience is wearing thin,” Fani-Kayode said.

He also expressed concern over reports that some South African groups have issued a September 30 deadline demanding undocumented migrants leave the country, describing the rhetoric as xenophobic and dangerous. Fani-Kayode called on the South African government to prevent any group from targeting Nigerians or other African nationals living legally in the country.

The warning comes amid worsening diplomatic tensions between Africa’s two largest economies. Nigeria’s National Assembly recently suspended official legislative engagements with South Africa in protest over persistent anti-migrant violence, while the Federal Government has repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians residing there.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the deaths of Fakunle and Nwankwo have heightened fears within the Nigerian community in South Africa. The ministry said at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since 2022 in incidents linked to mob attacks, hate-related violence and alleged extrajudicial actions, although South African authorities have disputed aspects of the broader narrative surrounding xenophobic crime.

Fani-Kayode maintained that Nigeria remains committed to building stronger relations with South Africa but argued that such ties must be matched by equal protection for Nigerian citizens. He noted that South Africans living in Nigeria are not subjected to similar attacks and urged Pretoria to reciprocate by safeguarding foreign nationals within its borders.

The latest dispute underscores the fragile state of Nigeria–South Africa relations, where economic partnership increasingly competes with recurring tensions over migration and xenophobic violence. As investigations continue into the recent killings, both governments face growing pressure to ensure justice for the victims while preventing further deterioration in one of Africa’s most important bilateral relationships.