Nigeria Raises Xenophobia Concerns Over Arrest of 42 Citizens in Mozambique

Nigeria has raised concerns over possible xenophobic actions following the arrest of 42 citizens in Mozambique, with authorities demanding their immediate release or formal arraignment in court if any offence is established.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, condemned the arrests on Sunday, calling them disturbing and unacceptable while expressing concern that Nigerians were specifically targeted.

Reports indicate that the detainees, who are legal residents in Mozambique, had their belongings confiscated and were beaten, with some requiring medical attention.

The detention of the Nigerians in Mozambique has heightened concerns that xenophobic sentiments may be growing across southern Africa. 

Similar incidents in South Africa over the years, ranging from attacks on businesses to looting and intimidation, have been fueled by unemployment, competition for resources and perceptions of Nigerian involvement in crime.

Incidents like these have prompted Pan-Africanists and regional leaders to call for stronger solidarity among African nations. As H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, once said: “We need you to unite so as to achieve the goal of a developed and prosperous Africa… when we try everything and unite towards one Africa, we will achieve our goal for the people of Africa.”

Advocates stress that xenophobia and discrimination cannot be tolerated and require coordinated action, social awareness, and a renewed commitment to the African Union’s vision of unity, integration, and mutual respect.