XENOPHOBIC VIOLENCE AND NIGERIA- SOUTH AFRICA DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

Abstract

Xenophobic violence is characterized by acts of hostility and aggression towards foreigners. It has been a recurring issue in South Africa, with Nigerian immigrants being among the targeted groups. This paper aimed at examining Xenophobic Violence and Nigeria-South Africa Diplomatic Relations, and how these events have affected bilateral cooperation , trade, and people-to-people interactions. It further explored the underlying factors contributing to xenophobic violence in South Africa. It adopted Relative Deprivation Theory and the theory suggests that feelings of discontent, frustration, and aggression arise when individuals or groups perceive a significant discrepancy between their actual situation and their expected or desired situation in comparison to others. It adopted descriptive research design, while the data was collected through secondary source such as text books, journal articles and internet materials. The data generated was analyzed through content analysis. The paper found out that though Nigeria has not severed her diplomatic tie with South Africa, the relationship has been strained particularly due to the constant attacks on Nigerians with South Africa not taking decisive steps to stop further occurrence. Additionally, the study found out that there is high unemployment rate in Nigeria that caused high migration to South Africa, thereby, responsible for the xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other citizens of other African States. Finally, the study therefore, recommends that Nigerian government must take decisive actions both to restore and guarantee peace for the immigrants residing in South Africa; else the attack might degenerate into regional conflict which invariably will affect the relationship between both nations in all angles. Also, there should be massive and aggressive job creation in both public and private sectors in Nigeria to reduce both legal and illegal migration to South Africa