Obasanjo condemns xenophobia in South Africa, recalls Nigeria’s anti-apartheid role

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Photo: The Cable

Ex- President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa, saying illegal migration should be addressed through the law rather than violence or destruction of property.

Obasanjo spoke during an interview on C-Suite Café, where he also recalled Nigeria’s financial and diplomatic support for the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

The former president said “Nigeria’s involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle was based on principle and opposition to racial discrimination, rather than an expectation of reward.”

Our correspondent who retrieved the over one hour long interview on Monday noted that it was dated September 10, 2026.

He said the principle behind Nigeria’s support was that “no black person should be treated as inferior” because of race.

Obasanjo also argued that Nigeria’s role was significant to the eventual dismantling of apartheid, saying that “without the country’s leadership and interventions, South Africa would not have ended the system when it did.”

He recalled working with international and African leaders during the struggle, including former United States Representative Andrew Young, former British Prime Minister James Callaghan, former Mozambican President Samora Machel and former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda.

On the treatment of migrants in South Africa, Obasanjo said “the existence of undocumented migrants did not justify unlawful actions against them.”

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He said “authorities and citizens should not respond to illegal migration by committing further violations,” warning against what he described as using “illegality to treat illegality.”

Obasanjo questioned the response to undocumented migrants, particularly where local groups are encouraged or allowed to destroy their homes or businesses.

He also questioned “assumptions linking migrants generally to crime, asking what proportion of foreign nationals were actually involved in criminal activity and how many contributed to the economy by creating jobs.”

The former president linked the resentment against migrants to broader governance and economic challenges, saying political pressure on the African National Congress and other governments on the continent could contribute to anti-immigrant sentiment when citizens’ economic expectations were not being met.

Obasanjo said “violence against migrants was also inconsistent with efforts to promote African integration and economic cooperation.”

His comments come amid continuing debate over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa, where concerns over undocumented migration, unemployment, crime and competition for economic opportunities have contributed to tensions involving migrants.

According to multiple reports, recent commentary in South Africa has also highlighted research suggesting that migrants can contribute to job creation and economic activity.