The Impact Of Xenophobic Attacks On Nigeria-south Africa Bilateral Relations

The concept of foreign policy is ascribed great significance and is an essential characteristic of States. Waltz argues that the existence of a state necessitates the existence of a foreign policy particular to that state through which such an entity will speak with a single voice (Waltz, 2001:179) (Cited in Erba?, 2013). States in the domain of international politics possess certain policies that help guide their interactions with other actors in the foray of world politics. Foreign policies usually encompass outlined objectives which are aimed at managing resources to engender profitable outcomes (Rolenc, 2013). Nigeria’s foreign policy has in past and recent times pronounced an afro-centric posture in diverse issues in world politics. A pointer to this fact is captured in Nigeria’s foreign policy principles and national interest which surround areas such as regional integration in West Africa and Africa, non- interference in the domestic affairs of States, African unity and independence, peaceful resolutions of conflicts and so on (Ezirim, 2011). In support of this argument, Iganga (2013) further reiterates that the nation’s foreign policy has birthed the advocacy for issues at no benefit to herself. This has in diverse ways amounted to inestimable contributions to Africa. One of the notable contributions made by Nigeria as a result of her afro-centric foreign policy is her struggles against the state policy of apartheid as entrenched in South Africa by the minority Dutch Boers beginning from 1948 (Danfulani, 2014)

In recent times, the term Xenophobia has garnered attention in the international system, particular among African States, owing to the killings perpetrated by South Africans against non-nationals (Fayomi, Chidozie, & Ayo, 2015). Through diverse efforts, several scholars have established why these killings are committed. Fayomi, Chidozie and Ayo (2015) establish that recurring decimals of unemployment and poverty among South Africans have given rise to fear of competition from more educated foreigners who might eventually replace the lesser equipped and educated South Africans. On the other hand, Harris (2002) explains that the xenophobic attacks in South Africa can be attributed to a deep sense of anger that arises over deprivation of basic amenities and needs left unsatisfied.

Recent attacks particularly in 2015, were incited by the words of the Zulu king (Babalola, 2017). King Godswill Zwelithini was quoted saying “immigrants should pack their bags and leave” (Mhlongo, 2015) (cited in (Mkandawire, 2015:193). 

Nigerians have however not been spared in the recent spate of xenophobic attacks which have taken the lives of many and at the same time caused the destruction of businesses and private properties belonging to non-nationals including Nigerians. David (2018) asserts that, since February 2016, a total of 121 Nigerians have been killed as a result of xenophobic attacks. On January 21 2018, 14 Nigerians were arrested and detained after protesting the incessant killings of Nigerians.

Juxtaposing the xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa with Nigeria’s afro-centric foreign policy which birthed support for the anti- apartheid struggle raises questions about the relevance of Nigeria’s afro- centric foreign policy. To this end, this paper makes an argument in support of rethinking Nigeria’s African centred foreign policy

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Recently, on the 2nd of September 2019, Nigerians living in Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounding areas, were attacked by South Africans. Many suffered the loss of their businesses and homes, while some lost their lives. Nonetheless, several explanations have been given as liable, as to why Nigerians are attacked, the most humorous of which is the argument that South Africans involved in the attack are working on false information that foreigners, like Nigerians, stripped them of all the jobs available for the young men in the country, making the citizens jobless and Nigerians slowly taking over their economy. 

There are numerous negative impacts of the Xenophobic attack on Nigerians. This attack has created hate in the minds of Nigerians leading to Nigerians having a negative impression and don’t want to be associated with South Africans. Nigerian Government on 4th September 2019 boycotted  the World Economic Forum on Africa currently being held in Cape Town to condemn the violence. South African music is no longer been played, listened to or danced to by Nigerians. one reason why South Africans should spare Nigerians and other Africans from their xenophobic attacks should be Nigerians ‘ contribution to the liberation of black South Africans during Apartheid White rule. The unemployment rate will increase as most South African owned businesses in Nigeria that Nigerians work for were destroyed by Nigerians as a reprisal for killing Nigerians in South Africa, while some shut down to avoid been destroyed for example the South African mobile company MTN. The implication of this is Nigerians working in this companies were displaced of their jobs leading to the increase in unemployment rate, aside from this reason, many Nigerians in South Africa have decided to come back home, and this will also increase unemployment as the educated Nigerians among them will join the unemployed wagon in the country. Life in Nigeria is very hard, it is very difficult to get a job with your academic qualification.