Richard Itoro, a Nigerian entrepreneur, has become one of many foreigners who fled South Africa due to escalating anti-migrant protests earlier this year. The 47-year-old left behind his wife and twin children in Johannesburg, boarding a voluntary repatriation flight to Nigeria in June.
Over 15 years, Itoro had established a car dealership and built a peaceful family life. However, rising hostility targeted not only him but also his South African wife, who faced intimidation from neighbors urging her to leave because of her marriage to a Nigerian.
Despite holding valid documentation proving his legal residency, Itoro and many others with legitimate papers experienced harassment. The Nigerian government confirmed that numerous Nigerians with proper permits were attacked during the unrest.
The South African government maintains that protests target undocumented migrants, emphasizing the importance of legal entry. Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie stated, "South Africa is open to our brothers on the continent but come here legitimately. Come with your papers."
The situation intensified following the death of a Nigerian man during a police arrest, prompting an independent investigation. Diplomatic relations between South Africa and affected countries have been strained as images and videos of confrontations circulate widely.
One such case involved Ghanaian Emmanuel Asamoah, who was forcibly expelled despite having legal status. After returning to Ghana, Asamoah started a new business, highlighting the broader impact of the crisis on migrants pursuing opportunities in South Africa.
South Africa's high unemployment rate, exceeding 30%, is cited as a root cause of tensions. Meanwhile, African nations call for solidarity and peaceful solutions to migration challenges, urging respect for the continent's history of cooperation.
Back in Lagos, Itoro remains hopeful about reuniting with his family but describes the experience as deeply painful. "It was heartbreaking, and that's how I felt: like I lost everything," he said.
