The Forum of National Youth Leaders of Political Parties in Nigeria has issued an ultimatum asking South African nationals residing in Nigeria to leave the country by the end of July 2026, citing renewed concerns over reported xenophobia attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The forum made the declaration during a press conference on Wednesday, where its members condemned what they described as recurring attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, insisting that the incidents amounted to “Afrophobia” rather than xenophobia.
According to the group, the attacks represent Africans targeting fellow Africans, a development it said undermines the ideals of African unity and solidarity. Blueprint reports
Group condemns xenophobia attacks
Addressing journalists, the forum expressed disappointment with the South African government, alleging that it had failed to decisively address repeated attacks on foreign African nationals.
The youth leaders argued that Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa had continued to face harassment, intimidation and threats despite longstanding diplomatic ties between the two countries.
They maintained that African governments should collectively uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and protection of citizens irrespective of their nationality.
Recalls Nigeria’s anti-apartheid role
The forum also highlighted Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.
It noted that successive Nigerian governments backed the anti-apartheid movement diplomatically and financially, recalling that Nigeria consistently championed the South African cause at international forums, including the United Nations.
The group further referenced Nigeria’s contributions through the Southern Africa Relief Fund and the popular “Mandela Tax,” under which Nigerian workers made financial contributions in support of the anti-apartheid struggle.
According to the forum, those sacrifices reflected Nigeria’s commitment to the liberation of South Africa and the promotion of African solidarity.
Ultimatum issued
The youth leaders said they were giving South Africans living in Nigeria until the end of July to leave the country, warning that patience among Nigerian youths was wearing thin over the continued reports of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The forum described its position as a response to what it called repeated acts of violence and intimidation against Nigerians, while urging the South African authorities to take urgent and concrete measures to protect foreign nationals and restore confidence in their commitment to African unity.
Calls for diplomatic engagement
The statement comes amid renewed concerns over reports of attacks and anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of South Africa.
Successive Nigerian governments have consistently called for the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad and have urged South African authorities to investigate attacks, prosecute perpetrators and strengthen measures to safeguard lives and property.
Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa remain significant, with both countries playing leading roles on the African continent through trade, investment and multilateral cooperation.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no immediate reaction from the Federal Government of Nigeria or the South African authorities regarding the forum’s ultimatum.
The development is expected to generate debate among stakeholders, with observers likely to call for dialogue and diplomatic engagement to address the concerns raised while preventing further tensions between citizens of the two countries.