The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), has announced readiness to activate lawful actions, including protests, to demand an immediate relocation of all South African businesses and investments from Nigeria, stressing that it will declare a day of action against xenophobia and the persistent humiliation, dehumanization, persecution, and targeting of Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.
CDHR called on the African Union, ECOWAS, SADC, the Pan-African Parliament, civil society organizations, labor unions, student movements, faith-based groups, and human rights defenders across the continent to openly condemn xenophobia and demand stronger protections for African migrants.
The organisation in a statement on Monday, jointly signed by its national president, Comrade Yinka Folarin, and national publicity secretary, Comrade Adewunmi Adesina, urged the international community, global human rights organizations, and democratic institutions to pay closer attention to the plight of Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa and to insist on accountability for all acts of xenophobic violence and discrimination.
The statement reads, “The Tinubu-led government must also rise to its responsibility of protecting its citizens. Nigerians abroad deserve vigorous diplomatic support, effective consular protection, and practical assistance whenever their rights are threatened.
“We urge the Federal Government to provide comprehensive support for Nigerians who may be displaced, victimized, or compelled to return home as a result of xenophobic attacks, discriminatory practices, or hostile policies. No Nigerian should be abandoned in a moment of need.
“We maintain that economic relations cannot be separated from questions of justice, dignity, and mutual respect. The continued persecution of Africans in South Africa raises serious moral questions that require urgent attention from governments, businesses, and citizens alike. In view of the unrepentant but continuous persecution demonstrated by the Ramaphosa regime, evident in the regime’s expressions, the CDHR is compelled to activate lawful actions including protests, to demand an immediate relocation of all South African businesses and investments from Nigeria
“Despite the many challenges confronting our nation, Nigeria, we must remain optimistic about the future of Nigeria, defend our country and our hardworking people anywhere, everywhere.
“Nigeria must refuse to surrender to despair. We believe that Nigeria possesses the human and material resources necessary to overcome its difficulties and emerge stronger but with a huge task of holding our leaders accountable.”
The statement added, “For far too long, Nigerians and other African nationals have endured repeated attacks, intimidation, discrimination, exclusion, and violence in South Africa. These recurring incidents have become a stain on the African continent’s conscience and a direct assault on the ideals of Pan-African solidarity, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence.
“CDHR can no longer remain silent in the face of these repeated violations. We are deeply saddened that despite the diplomatic restraint, constructive engagement, and goodwill consistently demonstrated by the Nigerian Government and several other African governments, the administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa has failed to decisively confront the scourge of xenophobia. Through policy choices, public actions, and inadequate responses to repeated attacks on foreign Africans, the South African Government has created the impression that xenophobic sentiments can thrive without meaningful consequences.
Nigeria and other African countries made enormous sacrifices in support of the struggle against apartheid. The liberation of South Africa wasn’t achieved by South Africans alone; it was made possible through the solidarity, resources, and sacrifices of millions of Africans across the continent. It’s therefore painful and unacceptable that Africans who once stood with South Africa are today subjected to hostility, harassment, discrimination, and violence within its borders.”
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