Nigerians living in South Africa have raised alarm over a fresh wave of xenophobic harassment allegedly spearheaded by the anti-migrant group, Operation Dudula. Community leaders say the group has been blocking foreigners from accessing public hospitals, forcing some women to give birth on bare floors without medical assistance.
In a viral video obtained by LENS, one of the group’s leaders was captured ordering foreigners out of a public hospital, declaring: “If you know yourself that you are not a South African, stand up right now. Don’t try us because we are going to check everybody.”
Originally launched as a grassroots campaign, Operation Dudula claims to be tackling illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and job competition. However, its methods — including hospital blockades and harassment of immigrants — have been widely condemned.
*Nigerian leaders call for urgent action*
The President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, Frank Onyekwelu, described the situation as a new form of xenophobia.
“We are not happy with this treatment. Women are being forced to give birth on bare floors without proper care, while some patients are discharged without treatment. This is hate and injustice against foreign nationals,” he said.
Onyekwelu confirmed that the Nigerian community had petitioned political groups and immigration authorities, while also calling for urgent diplomatic intervention.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Smart Nwobi, cited cases where nursing mothers were barred from taking their babies for immunisation. “The situation is alarming. We appeal to the government to deploy security agents to protect public facilities,” he stressed.
Nwobi added that the movement is not a government-backed body but a coalition of locals, some of whom are not even South Africans by birth.
The African Diaspora Forum has begun considering legal action, including filing injunctions in court and meeting South African leaders. Opposition figures such as Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters have also condemned Operation Dudula, describing its members as “a group of thugs.”
Former Nigerian diplomats have equally condemned the attacks. Ex-Consul Rasheed Akinkuolie likened the harassment to a “vestige of apartheid,” questioning why Black Africans are being targeted while white South Africans remain untouched.
A former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, warned that the crisis could strain Nigeria–South Africa relations and dent African solidarity.
*Abuja, Pretoria under pressure*
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that African Ambassadors in South Africa are engaging Pretoria to secure a lasting solution.
“The onus is on South Africa to protect all residents, including Nigerians,” ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said.
Despite repeated condemnation, the harassment continues, leaving Nigerians and other migrants fearful of another cycle of xenophobic violence in South Africa.