Xenophobia: South Africa Shuts Down Lagos Embassy

South African in Nigeria are beginning to protect themselves following the ant-xenophobic protests that took place in Lagos and Abuja on Tuesday. The country has made one noticeable move by closing its consulate in Lagos. The consulate was shut to prevent harm being done to officials and workers at the consulate.

Dozens of Nigerians carrying placards on Tuesday protested the attacks on black immigrants in South Africa at the country’s embassy and the MTN Head office, both at Maitama, Abuja. The protesters, led by members of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, demanded an immediate end to the attacks and killings of fellow blacks in South Africa. They also threatened to attack South African nationals and businesses in Nigeria, if the attacks did not stop within 72 hours.

"Enough is enough. South Africans must know that nobody has a monopoly of violence. They must halt the killings, the maiming and the looting of foreigners’ shops in their country. These incidents of xenophobia will provoke reprisals against South Africans and their interests in other lands," Faseun warned. When asked exactly what OPC would do if South Africa failed to stop the attacks before the specified deadline, Fasehun said, "South Africa has many business interests in Nigeria but of course, you do not expect me to reveal what we will do until the time is right."