South Africa’S Reoccurring Xenophobia And Nigeria’S Proactive Diplomacy
Timothy Ubelejit Nte (PhD)
Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of Port Harcourt
Abstract
The September 2019 xenophobic attacks in South Africa generated the highest reaction by Nigerians and rejuvenated Nigeria’s proactive diplomacy. This strong response of Nigeria was spurred by the fact that more than 127 Nigerians have been killed by South African xenophobia. The objective of the study is to evaluate the reoccurring South African xenophobic attacks in juxtaposition with the proactive diplomacy of Nigeria. Accordingly the study is guided by the under-listed research questions. What is the nature and frequency of xenophobic attacks in South Africa? What are the causes of xenophobia on Nigerians in South Africa? How are the violent attacks carried out against Nigerians and other nationals in South Africa? Why is Nigerian diplomacy proactive? The study is guided by the theoretical framework of relative deprivation with proponents such as Ted Robert Gurr, Walter Runciman etc. The qualitative research methodology was adopted for the study. The study concludes that in sharp contrast with the African tradition of welcoming visitors; South African xenophobia is a barbaric practice. When compared with Nigeria’s proactive diplomacy and foreign policy towards South Africa, the barbaric xenophobic attacks against Nigerians is the height of ingratitude and tantamount to biting the fingers that fed South Africa. The study recommends that the government of South Africa should set up early warning systems that would monitor and forestall attacks on foreigners. Also, Nigerian authorities should formulate policies to alleviate current economic challenges which have led to the flight of Nigerians to South Africa.