S.O.S ALIEME

The xenophobic attack in South Africa is assuming a new dimension because this time around, the attack is not centered mainly on Nigerians only as it used to be but on the whole of African race. In this present century when the whole world has shifted attention to modern civilization, South Africans are still very much behind in their dispositions to civil and political activities. This is a shame on the African race. 

When apartheid was being perpetrated in South Africa every sane country including Nigeria fought for her independence without looking back but it appears now things have changed and citizens who fought to see that South Africa gained independence are the ones that are being fought by South Africans.  Nigeria’s foreign policy then was practically centred on freedom for South Africa. The spirit of late Nelson Mandela will not be happy seeing what South Africans are perpetrating.  If Nelson Mandela was to be alive now, I think these uncivilized persons will not be involved in such an attitude.  It was widely reported recently that foreign African migrants in South Africa are been attacked by their so called African brothers (South Africans).  The reason for this obnoxious attack is not too far-fetched.  The South Africans are claiming that there are no jobs for them to embark upon in their motherland and strangers especially Nigerians are the ones economically engaged. For some time now, South Africa is witnessing what many analysts call a “resurgence” of xenophobic violence in parts of Johannesburg and Pretoria, the country’s capital city.

The reality is that this type of violence is a daily occurrence in the country, although it does not always get media attention. It has, in fact, become a long-standing feature in post-apartheid South Africa. As the current incidents illustrate, hostility towards foreign nationals is still pervasive in the country and continues to result in more cases of murder, injuries, and threats of mob violence, looting and the destruction of residential property and businesses, as well as mass displacement of foreign nationals especially Africans. The violence should be seen as xenophobic and not “just crime”, because this is an explicit targeting of foreign nationals or outsiders for violent attacks despite other material, political, cultural or social forces that might be at play. It is a hate crime whose logic goes beyond the often accompanying and misleading criminal opportunism. The real motive of the violence, as unambiguously expressed by the perpetrators themselves, is to drive foreign populations out of South African communities.

 It can be said categorically that xenophobic violence is a symptom of leadership deficit. A quick analytical look reveals that the perpetrators of ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa, as well as the lack of effective response and preventive interventions, reflect a dreadful lack of competent, decisive and trusted leadership at all levels of government. By blaming foreign nationals for its failures to deliver on its core functions and responsibilities, the South African government is unfortunately displaying an obvious sign of weak and incompetent leadership. Due to political scapegoating, many South African citizens perceive foreign nationals as a serious threat that needs to be eliminated from their country by any means necessary. This perception is stronger among the majority of citizens living in poor townships and informal settlements where they meet and fiercely compete with equally poor African immigrants for scarce resources and opportunities. The result is that local residents in these areas have become increasingly convinced that foreign nationals are to blame for all their socioeconomic ills and hardships including poverty, unemployment, poor service delivery, lack of business space and opportunities, crime, prostitution, drug and alcohol abuse, and deadly diseases. Much of the violence and crime targeted foreign African migrants from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Kenya. Of course, there is a difference between feeling separated from the continent and its people and violence against African migrants. But is it part of a continuum?

 

There is a swift reaction from Nigeria and other African countries. Nigeria has invited the South African envoy for a scheduled meeting, while its citizens retaliated against South African owned businesses. Nigeria has also offered to repatriate its citizens, while other countries are also planning to do the same. Xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa is probably driven by high unemployment, economic competition, and perceived criminality, which have severe consequences, including loss of life, widespread displacement, and the destruction of foreign-owned businesses. These incidents damage South Africa's international reputation, strain diplomatic relations with other African nations (particularly Nigeria), and undermine regional unity.  South Africa used to be a beacon of hope in African continent all over the world but the beacon has faded and much needs to be done to repair those bonds.

Similarly, there have been no efforts to hold mandated institutions such as the police and the intelligence community accountable for their failure to prevent and stop violence despite visible warning signs. Instigators and perpetrators of xenophobic violence are well known in their respective communities, but the impunity they enjoy only means that they are likely to strike again. Unfortunately, the government's unwillingness to acknowledge that this violence is xenophobic and its failure to work on finding appropriate solutions is a sign of ineffective leadership. Without appropriate intervention from the government, violence will continue. It is against this submission that the federal government of Nigeria should take a stand (as a matter of urgency) and condemn these attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and also help to bring succor to the affected citizens. All hands must be on deck to help our fellow brothers in diaspora.

God Bless Nigeria!!!