Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa, arguing that concerns over illegal migration should be addressed through lawful means rather than violence, intimidation or destruction of property.
Obasanjo made the remarks during an interview on C-Suite Café, where he also reflected on Nigeria’s financial and diplomatic support for the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
The former Nigerian president said the country’s involvement in the anti-apartheid movement was driven by opposition to racial discrimination rather than expectations of political or economic rewards.
According to Obasanjo, Nigeria’s position was based on the principle that no black person should be treated as inferior because of race.
He also argued that Nigeria played an important role in the international campaign against apartheid and contributed to the eventual dismantling of the system.
Obasanjo recalled his interactions with several international and African leaders during the anti-apartheid struggle, including former United States Representative Andrew Young, former British Prime Minister James Callaghan, former Mozambican President Samora Machel and former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda.
Obasanjo Rejects Violence Against Migrants
Turning to the treatment of migrants in South Africa, Obasanjo said the presence of undocumented foreigners did not justify unlawful actions against them.
He argued that authorities and citizens should not respond to illegal migration by committing further violations.
The former president particularly questioned situations in which local groups are allegedly allowed or encouraged to destroy the homes and businesses of undocumented migrants.
He also challenged the tendency to associate foreign nationals generally with criminal activity.
Obasanjo questioned what proportion of foreign nationals were actually involved in crime and how many others contributed to the economy through employment, businesses and other economic activities.
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According to him, the debate over migration should therefore consider both the challenges posed by undocumented immigration and the economic contributions made by migrants.
Economic Pressure Fuelling Anti-Migrant Sentiment
Obasanjo linked resentment against migrants to wider economic and governance challenges facing South Africa and other African countries.
He suggested that when citizens face unemployment, weak economic opportunities and unmet expectations, political pressure can contribute to anti-immigrant sentiment.
He argued that violence against migrants was also inconsistent with efforts to strengthen African integration and economic cooperation.
The former president’s comments come amid continuing debates in South Africa over undocumented migration, unemployment, crime and competition for economic opportunities.
The issue has repeatedly generated tensions between some local communities and foreign nationals, particularly migrants from other African countries.
Obasanjo’s remarks therefore place the current migration debate within the wider historical relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, recalling Nigeria’s longstanding opposition to racial discrimination and its support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.