LAGOS — Nigeria has received another 282 citizens returning from South Africa as part of an ongoing voluntary evacuation program launched amid concerns over xenophobic attacks and rising anti-migrant tensions.
The latest group arrived in Lagos aboard an Air Peace flight, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 1,141. Nigerian authorities said the program is focused on assisting citizens who wish to return home and ensuring their safe departure amid reports of hostility toward foreign nationals in some communities.
Officials said the evacuation process will continue, with the final flight expected next week, after which authorities will assess the situation and provide further support to affected citizens.
Meanwhile, Uganda has announced the successful completion of the first phase of its voluntary repatriation exercise, which saw 1,102 Ugandan nationals evacuated from major South African cities, including Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.
The final flight of the first phase brought 221 Ugandans back to Entebbe International Airport, marking the conclusion of the initial operation. Ugandan officials said the exercise was carried out to support citizens who felt unsafe or wished to return home due to concerns linked to anti-foreigner sentiment.
The evacuations come amid renewed debate over migration, unemployment, and economic pressures in South Africa. While some local groups blame foreign nationals for job shortages and economic challenges, critics argue that xenophobic attacks do not address the deeper causes of unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
Governments across the region have continued to call for the protection of foreign nationals and peaceful solutions to economic challenges affecting communities throughout Southern Africa.
