Nigerian Community in South Africa Xenophobic Attacks Escalate After Igwe Coronation
EAST LONDON, Eastern Cape, South Africa — Monday — A wave of violence has swept through parts of South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, leaving at least 26 Nigerians injured and properties worth millions of rands destroyed, following protests linked to the controversial installation of a Nigerian traditional leader.
The Nigerian community in South Africa experienced xenophobic attacks that erupted in the early hours of Monday in Albany and Buffalo areas of East London (KuGombo), according to reports. The unrest was triggered by the coronation of Solomon Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo”, a traditional Igbo title conferred earlier in March.
Details such as the exact date of the coronation ceremony were not specified in the original report.
Violence Linked to Igwe Ndigbo Coronation in South Africa Crisis
The Igwe Ndigbo coronation in South Africa crisis has exposed deep tensions between local South African groups and migrant communities.
According to the report, protesters — including local traditionalists and political activists — viewed the installation of Eziko as an attempt to establish a parallel authority structure within South Africa.
However, Nigerian community leaders strongly reject this claim.
- Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, President of the Nigerian Citizen Association South Africa (NICASA), described the attacks as a “calculated campaign of hate.”
- He stated that anti-foreigner rhetoric had been spreading across social media, television, and radio prior to the violence.
- He added that the coronation was used as a pretext to target Nigerian-owned businesses.
“They used the coronation as a guise to destroy Nigerian businesses and loot shops,” Onyekwelu told PUNCH.
Casualties, Destruction, and Fear Across the Eastern Cape
The scale of the Nigerian community in South Africa’s xenophobic attacks has been significant:
- 26 Nigerians were injured and hospitalised
- Shops, warehouses, and vehicles were looted or burned.
- Businesses across the Eastern Cape and parts of KwaZulu-Natal shut down.
- Widespread fear is forcing Nigerians to remain indoors.
Viral videos circulating online reportedly show Nigerians being assaulted and humiliated by both civilians and security operatives.
In one incident, individuals identified as officials from a local labour organisation allegedly forced a Nigerian trader to pack up and leave the country immediately.
These claims could not be independently verified.
Internal Divisions Within the Nigerian Community
The crisis has also revealed divisions among Nigerians in South Africa.
Some non-Igbo Nigerians criticised the coronation, describing it as:
- “Poorly timed”
- Insensitive during a politically charged municipal election period
- Likely to provoke anti-migrant sentiments
Meanwhile:
- Dr. ABC Okokoh, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo South Africa, denied that a formal coronation took place.
- He described the event as a “symbolic decoration” held privately, not an official installation.
Nigerian Leaders Respond to Xenophobic Attacks
The Nigerian community leadership is actively responding to the situation.
- Mr Smart Nwobi, President-General of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) and a human rights lawyer, confirmed that:
- The community is assessing damages.
- Many Nigerians are too afraid to reopen businesses or move freely.
A high-level delegation comprising:
- Nigerian Mission officials
- NUSA representatives
- Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership
is expected to engage with South African royal authorities.
Objective of the Meeting:
- Clarify that the Igwe title is purely cultural.
- Emphasise that it does not challenge South African sovereignty.
- De-escalate tensions and prevent further violence.
Historical Context and Double Standards Debate
Rev. Onyekwelu raised concerns about double standards in South Africa’s treatment of migrants.
He cited Orania, a controversial enclave in the Northern Cape where residents operate:
- Their own currency
- Local bylaws
Yet, according to him, such structures are rarely challenged, unlike cultural expressions by African migrants.
This argument highlights broader tensions around:
- Migration
- Identity
- Cultural expression
- Economic competition
Ongoing Threats and Security Concerns
The situation remains volatile.
Reports indicate that:
- Protesters may be regrouping for further demonstrations.
- Target areas include Central Business Districts in Eastern Cape towns.
For now:
- Nigerians remain on high alert.
- Economic activities within the community are largely paralysed.
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