Nigeria has warned that the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa continues to deteriorate as anti-immigration protests and violence persist across parts of the country.
Speaking on Monday, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said there were "no signs that the situation is improving" and announced additional evacuation flights to assist Nigerians wishing to leave South Africa.
For several weeks, demonstrations targeting undocumented immigrants have spread across the country, with some turning violent. Protesters have accused foreign nationals of taking jobs and placing pressure on already strained public resources.
Although the protests have largely focused on undocumented migrants, documented foreign nationals have also been caught up in the unrest. Analysts have attributed the growing tensions to deep-rooted social and economic challenges, including unemployment, poor service delivery and frustrations over government failures.
The worsening security situation has prompted tens of thousands of foreign nationals from countries including Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Liberia and Nigeria to leave South Africa.
Hundreds of Nigerians have already returned home from South Africa, which has long attracted migrants from across the continent because of its relatively developed economy.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also renewed calls for South African authorities to investigate the deaths of two Nigerian nationals, Musa Yunana Joe and Charles Iroegbu, who died on 28 June. Nigeria has linked the deaths to the ongoing anti-immigration violence and attacks on migrants.
However, the South African Police Service has disputed those claims.
Police said the death of Musa Yunana Joe resulted from an isolated shooting incident that did not appear to be connected to the protests. Authorities also dismissed suggestions that Charles Iroegbu's death was linked to the unrest, saying he collapsed and died while being taken into police custody on allegations of drug possession.
South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation has maintained that it remains willing to investigate any credible evidence.
Department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the Nigerian High Commission had been repeatedly requested to provide any actionable information that could assist law enforcement agencies in conducting a thorough and impartial investigation.
The deaths have attracted significant attention from foreign governments amid growing concerns over the treatment of migrants in South Africa. While the country has long struggled with high levels of violent crime, critics have accused authorities of failing to adequately respond to the recent wave of anti-immigration violence.
At least four foreign nationals have reportedly been killed since the unrest began, while several businesses owned by immigrants have been looted or set alight.
Tensions have also strained diplomatic relations in the region. Last week, Ghana and South Africa exchanged diplomatic concerns following the killing of Ghanaian national Bashiru Isak. South African authorities have maintained that his death was unrelated to the anti-immigration protests.
According to South Africa's Border Management Authority, more than 35,000 people had either been repatriated or deported from the country since 7 June.
Meanwhile, police announced on Monday that more than 6,800 undocumented migrants were arrested during operations conducted between 29 June and 5 July as authorities continue to intensify immigration enforcement efforts.