Nigeria Consulate Warns Citizens Ahead Of South Africa Anti-Foreigner Protests

Johannesburg – The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has issued a safety advisory to Nigerian nationals in South Africa ahead of planned nationwide anti-foreigner protests slated for Monday, May 4, 2026.

Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the Consul General, signed the advisory issued on Sunday urging citizens to remain vigilant following reports of coordinated demonstrations across the nine provinces of South Africa.

The mission said it had received information that anti-foreigner groups have been mobilising residents through circulating messages calling for a national shutdown to pressure authorities to act against foreigners.

Organisers are allegedly saying foreigners get an unfair share of South Africa’s resources and are calling for the expulsion of both documented and undocumented migrants.

The groups are also planning street marches to pressure the exit of foreign nationals from the country.

The consulate said particular assembly points have not been confirmed in most cities, although protests are expected in several regions.

But in Johannesburg, protesters are expected to gather at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown.

The march will be between 10am and 11am and a memorandum will be submitted to the authorities around noon.

There are fears of security problems with possible disruption in the major business districts of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.

The consulate advised Nigerians to be cautious and avoid any form of confrontation with the protesters.

“All Nigerian nationals are strongly advised not to engage with demonstrators or confront them,” the advisory said. It also advised citizens to stay informed through local media and take necessary safety precautions.

There were also fears that foreign-owned establishments could be targeted and Nigerian business owners were advised to consider closing their businesses temporarily during the period of the protests.