Nigerian Union May Proceed to World Court Over Xenophobic Attacks

  • Union says they might file charges against the government in South Africa before heading to the ICJ.
  • No Nigerian died in the recent attack.

Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has said it may head to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, over the xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in South Africa.

Speaking with Punch, the President, Adetola Olubajo Olubajo said they might file charges against the South African government in South Africa before heading to the ICJ if justice was not served.

“The international law that is binding Nigeria, South Africa, and all the (other African) countries should be invoked because this is happening time and again. It is not a one-off thing.

READ: Xenophobia Not Our Agenda at UNGA – Onyeama

“But I would prefer that we start internally by testing it in the law courts of South Africa — the malicious damage of property and looting. If that doesn’t work, then we would head to the African Union and the ICJ.

“I don’t have any problem with that, seriously, because this thing (xenophobic attacks) has continued. If the attacks persist, then we will do what needs to be done.”

Olubajo noted that no Nigerian died in the latest attacks,  but over 50 vehicles and property worth millions of dollars owned by Nigerians were vandalised, burnt and stolen.

Some Nigerians and other African migrants are still counting their losses over the incident.

Meanwhile, the South African government has said that it will compensate the victims affected provided the assets are insured.

READ: Xenophobia: We Haven’t Suspend Evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa – Air Peace

The crisis resulted in the death of five foreigners, as well as the looting and burning of property.

Over 500 Nigerians have since been evacuated from South Africa in two batches by Nigerian Airline, Air Peace free of charge.

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