Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has petitioned the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights over what he described as recurring xenophobic violence against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
Mr Falana asked the Commission to intervene and refer the matter to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights for binding adjudication.
In the communication submitted under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, he said the violence includes killings, assaults, arbitrary arrests, torture, looting of businesses and forced displacement.
He said the incidents show a pattern rather than isolated cases.
The petition stated that Nigerians and other Africans face repeated attacks involving violence, intimidation and discrimination.
Falana cited incidents reported in April in which two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, were killed in separate cases involving personnel of the South African National Defence Force.
He said one of the victims died after arrest in Pretoria, while the other died from injuries allegedly caused by security personnel.
He also referenced reports of mob attacks in May targeting African migrants in several South African cities, including Gauteng, Durban, Cape Town and East London.
According to him, videos showed assaults on foreign nationals and demands for them to leave the country.
The petition said diplomatic missions, including the Nigerian High Commission, issued security alerts over planned protests targeting foreigners.
It added that more than 130 Nigerians had requested evacuation over safety concerns.
Falana said state response in South Africa had not stopped the attacks, leading to continued insecurity for migrants.
He also said previous incidents, including killings of Nigerians and attacks in public hospitals, showed a pattern over time.
The petition accused South African authorities of failing to prevent attacks, investigate cases and prosecute those responsible.
Falana said this failure amounts to violations of the African Charter, including rights to life, dignity, property, movement and equal protection.
He asked the Commission to find South Africa in breach of its obligations and to carry out an investigation.
He also requested that the matter be referred to the African Court for orders including compensation, reforms and guarantees against future violations.
Falana further urged the Commission to report the issue to the African Union Assembly as a case involving serious violations.
