XENOPHOBIA HAS A PRICE: SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESSES AND INVESTMENTS MUST LEAVE NIGERIA NOW.

XENOPHOBIA HAS A PRICE: SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESSES AND INVESTMENTS MUST LEAVE NIGERIA NOW AND NOW

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights {CDHR} is set to declare a Day of Action Against Xenophobia and the persistent humiliation, dehumanization, persecution, and targeting of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
In a statement jointly signed by the National President,Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Comrade ‘Yinka Folarin
and the CDHR
National Publicity Secretary,
Comrade Adewunmi Adesina indicated that for far too long, Nigerians and other African nationals have endured repeated attacks, intimidation, discrimination, exclusion, and violence in South Africa. These recurring incidents have become a stain on the conscience of the African continent and a direct assault on the ideals of Pan-African solidarity, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence.

CDHR can no longer remain silent in the face of these repeated violations. We are deeply saddened that despite the diplomatic restraint, constructive engagement, and goodwill consistently demonstrated by the Nigerian Government and several other African governments, the administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa has failed to decisively confront the scourge of xenophobia. Through policy choices, public actions, and inadequate responses to repeated attacks on foreign Africans, the South African Government has created the impression that xenophobic sentiments can thrive without meaningful consequences.
Nigeria and other African countries made enormous sacrifices in support of the struggle against apartheid. The liberation of South Africa was not achieved by South Africans alone; it was made possible through the solidarity, resources, and sacrifices of millions of Africans across the continent. It is therefore painful and unacceptable that Africans who once stood with South Africa are today subjected to hostility, harassment, discrimination, and violence within its borders.

CDHR is particularly alarmed by the proposal of the South African Government to recover the costs of deportations and repatriations from the governments and diplomatic missions of undocumented foreign nationals. While every sovereign state has the right to regulate immigration according to its laws, such a policy risks reinforcing anti-immigrant sentiment and deepening divisions among African peoples. It sends a troubling signal at a time when the continent should be promoting unity, integration, and cooperation.

We reject every attempt to portray African migrants as the cause of South Africa’s social and economic challenges.

The solution to unemployment, crime, poverty, and inequality cannot be the scapegoating of fellow Africans. History teaches us that discrimination and exclusion never solve national problems; they only create new injustices.

CDHR calls on the African Union, ECOWAS, SADC, the Pan-African Parliament, civil society organizations, labour unions, student movements, faith-based groups, and human rights defenders across the continent to openly condemn xenophobia and demand stronger protections for all African migrants.

We further call upon the international community, global human rights organizations, and democratic institutions to pay closer attention to the plight of Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa and to insist on accountability for all acts of xenophobic violence and discrimination.

The Tinubu led Government must also rise to its responsibility of protecting its citizens. Nigerians abroad deserve vigorous diplomatic support, effective consular protection, and practical assistance whenever their rights are threatened.

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights CDHR urges the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide comprehensive support for Nigerians who may be displaced, victimized, or compelled to return home as a result of xenophobic attacks, discriminatory practices, or hostile policies. No Nigerian should be abandoned in a moment of need.

We maintain that economic relations cannot be separated from questions of justice, dignity, and mutual respect. The continued persecution of Africans in South Africa raises serious moral questions that require urgent attention from governments, businesses, and citizens alike. In view of the unrepentant but continuos persecution demonstrated by the Ramaphosa regime, evident in the regime expressions, the CDHR is compelled to activate lawful actions including protests , to demand an immediate relocation of all south african businesses and investments from Nigeria

Despite the many challenges confronting our nation Nigeria, we must remain optimistic about the future of Nigeria, defend our country and our hardworking people anywhere, everywhere.

Nigeria must refuse to surrender to despair. We believe that Nigeria possesses the human and material resources necessary to overcome its difficulties and emerge stronger but with a huge task of holding our leaders accountable.

We must continue to demand a nation that protects its citizens, defends their dignity, and advances the cause of justice throughout Africa.

Let it be clearly understood: an injury to one African because of nationality is an injury to all Africans. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.

Enough is enough.

The dignity of Nigerians is not negotiable.
The lives of Africans are not expendable.
The era of silence is over.