OBASANJO LAMENTS ATTACKS ON NIGERIANS, RECALLS NIGERIA’S ROLE IN SOUTH AFRICA’S LIBERATION

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned the renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, describing the situation as disturbing given Nigeria’s historic contribution to the country’s liberation from apartheid. Obasanjo said South African authorities should do more to prevent attacks against fellow Africans and protect foreigners living and working legally in the country.

The former president recalled that Nigeria played a major role in the struggle against apartheid by providing financial, diplomatic and humanitarian support to the liberation movement. He noted that Nigeria also offered assistance to South Africans during the apartheid era, including educational opportunities and other forms of support aimed at helping the country achieve freedom and majority rule.

Obasanjo expressed concern that the sacrifices made by Nigeria and its citizens during the anti-apartheid struggle appeared to have been forgotten by some South Africans. He said it was particularly troubling that Nigerians, who contributed to the fight against racial oppression in South Africa, are now among those facing hostility, harassment and violence in the country.

The former president also linked the migration of Nigerians and other Africans to South Africa to the search for better economic opportunities. He, however, stressed that African governments must improve governance and create better conditions at home so that young people would not feel compelled to leave their countries in search of what they consider greener pastures. He lamented the number of Africans who have lost their lives while attempting dangerous journeys through the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean Sea.

Obasanjo urged African leaders to take responsibility for addressing the conditions that drive migration while also ensuring that citizens living in other African countries are treated with dignity and protected from violence. He maintained that xenophobic attacks against fellow Africans were unacceptable and called for stronger leadership to prevent the recurring tensions from damaging relations between Nigeria and South Africa.