South Africa’s Consul General in Nigeria, Professor Bobby Moroe, has rejected claims that xenophobia is prevalent in South Africa, despite longstanding concerns over attacks involving Nigerians and other foreign nationals
Speaking during an interview on Nigeria Info FM, Moroe said the South African government condemns violence against both citizens and foreigners, regardless of their immigration status.
He acknowledged concerns among Nigerians over the treatment of their compatriots in South Africa, but argued that issues such as unemployment, poverty and inequality do not justify attacks on foreigners.
Moroe also compared the situation to Nigeria’s past deportation of undocumented West African migrants, particularly Ghanaians, during the period associated with the “Ghana Must Go” episode.
The diplomat maintained that South Africa remains committed to protecting everyone within its borders, regardless of nationality, while challenging the tendency to associate xenophobia mainly with South Africa.
