South Africa Arrests 364 Over Attacks On African Migrants, Rejects Xenophobia Claims

Diplomat urges Nigeria to lead African dialogue on migration, trade and economic hardship

By Henryrich Ojo | Newsworld

The South African government has arrested 364 people in connection with attacks on African migrants, as it rejects claims that the country is xenophobic. Acting Consul-General of South Africa in Lagos, Ms Kgothatso Xulu, disclosed this on Tuesday at the 47th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society of International Law (NSIL), held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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Xulu described those responsible for the attacks as a small group, insisting that their actions should not be used to label the entire country as hostile to foreigners.

Addressing the conference, themed “From Obligation to Implementation: Reassessing the Efficacy of International Law in Contemporary International Relations,” the diplomat acknowledged challenges linked to irregular migration and service delivery but urged African governments to tackle the economic hardship pushing people to leave their home countries.

She also called for stronger implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), arguing that cross-border movement should increasingly be driven by business opportunities and market expansion rather than desperation. Xulu further defended South Africa’s constitutional protection of peaceful protests, while warning that misinformation could worsen tensions between African nations.

The South African diplomat urged Nigeria to take the lead in establishing platforms for honest discussions on xenophobia, migration, international law and economic cooperation among African countries. She said stronger continental collaboration was necessary to address the root causes of migration and enable African nations to play a more active role in shaping international policies. Xulu also encouraged young Africans to take responsibility for the continent’s future and called for greater participation in global governance.