The University of South Africa (Unisa) has condemned xenophobic violence and the targeting of African migrants in South Africa, as Nigeria facilitates the return of another 33 citizens from the country.
Unisa’s Senate issued a statement on 18 September 2026 addressing what it described as xenophobic and Afrophobic violence targeting African migrants and foreign nationals. The university said its institutional identity and intellectual responsibility extend beyond South Africa’s borders and are rooted in a broader African intellectual community.
Unisa calls for African solidarity
In its statement, Unisa said xenophobia and Afrophobia undermine continental cooperation and the broader Pan-African project.
The university linked its position to the principles of Ubuntu, the African Union’s human-rights framework, the South African Constitution and international human-rights principles.
Unisa also highlighted the importance of movement across African countries, particularly in higher education, arguing that the exchange of scholars, knowledge and skills contributes to the continent’s development.
The university said African countries should view fellow Africans as partners at a time when the continent faces challenges including unemployment, inequality, climate change, public health concerns and technological transformation.
Nigeria facilitates return of 33 citizens
Meanwhile, Nigeria has facilitated the return of another 33 Nigerian nationals from South Africa amid continuing concerns about xenophobic incidents.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development in a statement dated 17 September. The latest group included citizens from Delta, Ogun, Imo, Lagos, Enugu, Oyo, Edo, Ondo and Bayelsa states.
The latest evacuation follows earlier efforts by the Nigerian government to assist citizens affected by the situation in South Africa. Nigeria had also carried out an earlier evacuation operation in June, when hundreds of nationals were brought home.
Nigeria raises concerns over killings
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.
According to reports on her statement, she said two Nigerian citizens had been killed in South Africa during September and called for investigations and accountability.
The Nigerian government has also taken diplomatic and legislative steps in response to the tensions, while private-sector support has reportedly contributed to the latest evacuation effort.
The developments have renewed attention on the longstanding debate surrounding migration, undocumented immigration, xenophobia and the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.
While South African authorities have framed some enforcement operations around illegal immigration, the condemnation from Unisa and concerns raised by Nigeria highlight the distinction between immigration enforcement and attacks directed at people because of their nationality.
For both countries, the latest developments put renewed focus on the safety of African migrants and the broader relationship between South Africa and Nigeria.
