The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the recurring killings, harassment, and reported abuse of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, following fresh incidents that led to the deaths of Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew under circumstances involving South African security operatives.
These latest tragedies are not isolated events, as they form part of a disturbing and persistent pattern of xenophobic violence, discriminatory treatment, and alleged extrajudicial actions targeted at Nigerians living in South Africa and other parts of Africa.
In a statement made available to VDCInsights in Abuja and signed by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko said “this situation is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and a gross violation of the fundamental right to life and human dignity guaranteed under international humanitarian rights law; the African Charter on Human and Peoples rights and a breach of the diplomatic friendship between Nigeria and South Africa.”
Onwubiko stated “These incessant attacks and mass murders of Nigerians in xenophobic violence are absolutely unacceptable, adding “It is either that the Nigerian government takes steps to sanction South Africa through diplomatic disengagement immediately or the organised civil rights community would be left with no option but to embark on nationwide protests against SOUTH AFRICA and businesses with South African interests in Nigeria.”
”According to available reports, Amaramiro Emmanuel reportedly died on April 20 after sustaining injuries allegedly inflicted by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), while Ekpenyong Andrew, who was arrested following an encounter with metro police officers, was later confirmed dead at a Pretoria mortuary under unclear circumstances.”
The Group pointed out “These incidents demand urgent, transparent, and independent investigations by South African authorities, including full accountability for all individuals found culpable.”
HURIWA notes with concern that repeated assurances from South African authorities have not translated into a lasting end to violence and profiling of Nigerians, stressing “This recurring failure raises serious questions about the effectiveness of existing diplomatic engagements and the protection mechanisms available to Nigerian citizens abroad.”
The Association therefore state as follows:
1. Nigeria Must recalibrate Its Foreign Policy on Reciprocity
Nigeria must urgently review its diplomatic doctrine to reflect the principle of reciprocity and mutual respect. Countries that consistently fail to guarantee the safety, dignity, and rights of Nigerian citizens should not continue to enjoy unqualified diplomatic privileges.
HURIWA believes that diplomacy must not be passive in the face of repeated killings of Nigerians. A firm, strategic, and interest-driven foreign policy is now necessary to protect national dignity and citizen security.
2. Immediate Diplomatic Disengagement with South Africa
We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately summon the South African High Commissioner in Abuja to demand clear explanations, actionable commitments, and time-bound measures to stop the killings and abuses of Nigerians without which the diplomatic relationship should be frozen in the next 48 hours indefinitely.
Nigeria must also insist on full transparency in ongoing investigations and ensure that victims and their families receive justice without delay.
3. Consideration of Strong Diplomatic Measures
While HURIWA supports peaceful diplomacy, we stress that continued inaction or weak responses will embolden further attacks.
The Association therefore demand that Nigeria must be prepared to consider all lawful diplomatic options, including a comprehensive review of bilateral relations with South Africa, should these killings persist without accountability.
4. Reform of Nigeria’s Diaspora Protection Institutions
HURIWA expresses concern over the apparent inefficiency of institutions mandated to protect Nigerians abroad, particularly the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), pointing out “There is an urgent need for structural reform, institutional strengthening, and leadership review to ensure competence, neutrality, and effectiveness.”
Appointments to such sensitive agencies must be based strictly on merit, experience, and capacity—not political patronage, adding that “The protection of Nigerians abroad must never be reduced to partisan politics or public relations exercises.”
5. End to the Normalisation of Xenophobic Violence
The continued stereotyping and profiling of Nigerians as criminals in parts of South Africa and elsewhere is dangerous and unacceptable. Such narratives fuel hostility and justify violence against innocent people.
Governments across Africa must collectively reject xenophobia in all its forms and enforce strict accountability for perpetrators.
6. Call for African Solidarity Based on Justice
HURIWA reiterates that African unity must not be built on silence in the face of injustice. True Pan-Africanism requires mutual respect, protection of human rights, and equal treatment of all African citizens regardless of nationality.
Nigeria, as a leading African nation, must take a principled stand that protects its citizens while promoting continental stability.
CONCLUSION
HURIWA extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and calls for immediate action to prevent further loss of Nigerian lives abroad, stressing that “The time for cautious and reactive diplomacy is over. Nigeria must act decisively, firmly, and strategically to protect its citizens wherever they are in the world.”
We demand justice, accountability, and urgent reforms—both within South Africa and within Nigeria’s diplomatic and diaspora protection framework.
