Femi Falana petitions African Commission over South Africa xenophobia

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has petitioned the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, demanding that xenophobic violence in South Africa be declared a grievous human rights violation. The petition highlights a persistent pattern of attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals, including killings, physical assaults, arbitrary arrests, torture, looting, and forced displacement. Recent incidents include the deaths of two Nigerian citizens, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, allegedly involving personnel of the National Defense Force. Femi Falana accuses the South Africa government, and specifically President Cyril Ramaphosa, of failing to protect foreign nationals and prosecute perpetrators, fostering a climate of impunity. The petition calls for an independent investigation, reparations for victims, and structural reforms. In response to the escalating violence, Ghana has announced the repatriation of 300 of its nationals, and Nigeria is also facilitating the return of its citizens.