Xenophobia: Diaspora Nigerian calls for calm; blames politics for rising tensions in South Africa.

A Nigerian Diasporan pro-democracy advocate, Mr. Uzoma Orgazi, has strongly condemned in outright terms, the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa and what he described as “reckless and inflammatory comments” by public figures such as Sibeko, warning that such rhetoric is deepening division and endangering innocent foreign nationals living in South Africa. In a detailed statement, Orgazi argued that rising hostility toward South African based migrants is being politically driven ahead of elections, with foreign nationals often used as scapegoats for deeper socio-economic problems.

In an exclusive interview with Umuaka Times correspondents in America, Orgazi said: “The reality is that anti-foreigner sentiments in South Africa are often amplified by politicians, particularly those seeking relevance or electoral advantage.” He further added that, “With elections approaching, some politicians find it convenient to blame foreigners for the country’s economic challenges rather than address the root causes of unemployment, poverty, and inequality.”

Orgazi who lived in South African for over a decade warned that this dangerous pattern fuels violence and social tension, especially as unemployed and economically frustrated citizens are made to believe that Nigerians and other African migrants are responsible for shortages in jobs and housing. According to him, “Foreign nationals become easy scapegoats in political campaigns designed to attract frustrated voters.”

Orgazi stressed that criminality should not be associated with nationality, insisting that South Africa’s security challenges are complex and international in scope. “It is unfair and unjust to single out specific groups of Africans while ignoring the broader international dimensions of such problems,” he said, adding that collective blame only fuels hatred and distracts from real solutions.

He also highlighted the economic contributions of foreign nationals in South African communities, noting that many run small businesses that sustain local economies. “In numerous communities, these businesses extend credit to struggling families.”  He seriously warned that mass displacement of migrants would harm both foreigners and South Africans who depend on them.

Reflecting personally, Orgazi stated: “Personally, I continue to support and pay my workers despite relocating because I understand the economic hardships many families are facing. This spirit of mutual support and shared humanity is what should define our relationships, not division and hostility.”

Turning to governance, Orgazi deeply frowned at what he described as weak consular protection for Nigerians abroad, urging stronger diplomatic engagement. “The Nigerian government must demonstrate greater urgency, commitment, and responsiveness in protecting its citizens overseas,” he said, adding that citizen welfare abroad should remain a national priority.

The youthful pro-democracy advocate concluded by calling for unity across Africa: “Let us reject xenophobia in all its forms and work toward a future built on justice, understanding, economic opportunity, and African solidarity.”

Meanwhile, according to reports circulating in European migration enforcement circles, the government of Ireland recently deported 42 South African nationals who were allegedly residing illegally in the country, returning them to Johannesburg. The operation is said to have cost approximately €735,000 (about $845,000) in enforcement expenses. Authorities in Ireland have not publicly framed the action as politically motivated, describing it instead as part of routine immigration enforcement.

The development has sparked mixed reactions online, with some commentators linking it to broader global debates on migration, although no official connection has been established between the Irish enforcement action and tensions in South Africa. This development is exactly the ripple effects Orgazi has warned.