FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS STATEMENT

Condemnation of Xenophobic Attacks on Black Migrants in South Africa

Date: 9 May 2026

The Concerned Nigerians and Migrants Forum (CNMF) views with deep shock and outrage the recent wave of xenophobic violence targeting Black migrants, including Nigerians and other African nationals, in various parts of South Africa.

We have received disturbing reports of coordinated attacks, looting of migrant-owned businesses, physical assault, and in some tragic cases, loss of life. These acts are not only criminal but represent a grave violation of the African Union’s principles of unity, solidarity, and the free movement of people.

Our Formal Condemnation

CNMF unequivocally condemns these attacks. Violence against fellow Africans based on nationality or perceived economic competition is unacceptable. We remind all parties that the strength of the African people lies in our diversity and shared history of anti-apartheid and anti-colonial struggle.

Demands and Calls to Action

1. To the South African Government: We call for an immediate, transparent investigation into these attacks. Perpetrators must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We further demand adequate compensation and medical care for victims, as well as swift recovery of stolen properties.

2. To the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS: We urge AU leadership to activate the African Peer Review Mechanism and hold an emergency session on xenophobia. Nigeria and other affected countries must demand a binding continental protocol to prevent state-sponsored or state-tolerated xenophobia.

3. To the Nigerian Government: We call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide immediate consular protection for affected Nigerians, including emergency evacuation for those who desire it, and to engage diplomatically with Pretoria for reparations and safety guarantees.

4. To South African Civil Society: We appeal to our progressive partners, community leaders, and human rights organizations in South Africa to stand with migrants, denounce the attacks publicly, and assist in establishing neighborhood safety watches to protect foreign nationals.

Advice to Migrants in South Africa

In the interim, CNMF advises all Black migrants to:

· Avoid high-risk areas and remain indoors where tensions are high.

· Document any attacks (photos, videos, police case numbers) and share with our emergency contacts.

· Register with their respective embassies and local migrant support networks immediately.

Solidarity, Not Silence

We reject the narrative that African migrants are the cause of South Africa’s economic challenges. Poverty, unemployment, and crime are governance issues-not justification for ethnic cleansing or vigilantism. We stand in solidarity with our South African brothers and sisters who oppose these hate crimes, but we will not remain silent while African blood is spilled by African hands.

We call on all Africans to raise their voices. Let this moment be a turning point-not for retaliation, but for a renewed commitment to the Pan-African dream of a borderless, respectful, and united continent.

End of Statement

Contact:

Mr Patrick Guobadia

President, Concerned Nigerians and Migrants Forum

Email: concernnigeriansforum@gmail.com

The Association of Concerned Nigerians Forum (CNF) has strongly criticised the 60-day suspension of Italian lawyer Francesco Minutillo, who wrote a racial slur on a legal case file.

The group called the punishment too lenient for such a serious offence.

Minutillo, a lawyer from Forlì-Cesena, was disciplined after he wrote “negro” on the edge of a file, replacing the name of a Nigerian defendant in a case. He was representing two police officers injured at Faenza train station.

The incident came to light when Supreme Court judge Roberto Riverso shared a photo of the file on Facebook, covering the names but condemning the act as “a confession of the extraneousness of this subject to the civilization of law. A barbarity.”

The CNF stated that Minutillo’s actions were not just unprofessional but also showed a “blatant disregard for basic human dignity.” They pointed out that this was not his first offence, as he had previously made comments praising Hitler, Mussolini, and racial laws.

The group argued that a 60-day suspension was too mild and failed to send a strong message against racism. They called for harsher penalties, a review of Minutillo’s past behaviour, and mandatory diversity training for legal professionals.

“This punishment is a slap on the wrist for someone with a history of racist views,” the CNF said. They urged Italian legal authorities to take stronger action to prevent discrimination in the justice system.

The CNF, represented by spokespersons Omeliko Mike and Goubadia Patrick, vowed to keep fighting against racism and pushing for fair treatment of all communities.