The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Federal Government and Air Peace for evacuating Nigerians affected by the latest wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
In a statement issued on Friday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the evacuation had helped protect the lives of Nigerians caught up in the attacks and demonstrated the government’s responsibility to safeguard its citizens abroad.
The association also praised Air Peace for deploying a replacement aircraft after the original evacuation flight developed a technical fault in Johannesburg, saying the move ensured the operation was completed without significant delay.
While welcoming the evacuation, HURIWA said the response should not mark the end of the government’s intervention.
According to the group, repeated attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa have become a persistent pattern of violence that requires stronger diplomatic action and greater accountability.
It said many Nigerians had established legitimate businesses, acquired property and contributed to South Africa’s economy, only to become victims of attacks in which businesses were destroyed, investments looted and lives lost.
The association called on President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin high-level diplomatic engagement with the South African government to secure compensation for Nigerians whose businesses, homes and other legally acquired property were destroyed during the violence.
HURIWA also urged both governments to ensure justice and appropriate compensation for the families of Nigerians who lost their lives.
The group argued that the Federal Government’s responsibility extends beyond evacuating affected citizens and includes pursuing justice, restitution and the protection of Nigerians living abroad.
It further urged the Federal Government to review diplomatic relations with South Africa if adequate compensation is not provided and credible measures are not put in place to prevent future attacks.
According to HURIWA, such a review could include downgrading diplomatic ties and engaging the African Union and other African governments to increase diplomatic pressure on South Africa until the concerns raised are addressed.
