The Nigeria Labour Congress has called for urgent action to stop rising xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa, warning that the growing violence could threaten workers’ unity across the continent.
The labour union urged the Congress of South African Trade Unions to begin a large-scale awareness campaign aimed at protecting migrant workers and educating South Africans on the dangers of xenophobia.
In a letter dated May 7, 2026, and addressed to COSATU leadership in Johannesburg, NLC President Joe Ajaero strongly condemned recent attacks involving the killing of African migrants and destruction of their businesses in parts of South Africa.
Ajaero described the attacks as disturbing and unacceptable, saying African workers should not be turned against one another because of economic hardship and government failures.
“We cannot claim to fight for the working class while allowing a section of that class to be hunted like wild animals,” the NLC president stated in the letter.
The labour leader said worsening economic conditions, rising unemployment and frustration among citizens should not be used as reasons to attack fellow Africans who migrated in search of better opportunities. He stressed that migrant workers were not responsible for poverty or job losses in South Africa.
According to him, trade unions across Africa must take the lead in promoting unity among workers and stopping narratives that blame migrants for economic problems.
“We must break, once and for all, the racist myth that a fellow black African from across a colonial border is our enemy,” Ajaero added.
The NLC also accused South African authorities of not doing enough to protect migrants and their businesses from attacks. The union criticised what it described as the weak response of security agencies during violent incidents targeting foreigners.
Ajaero called on the South African government to fully deploy security resources to affected communities and ensure that those responsible for attacks are arrested and prosecuted.
He also demanded compensation for victims who lost loved ones, businesses and property during the violence. According to the NLC, failure to punish attackers could encourage further violence and create fear among migrant communities.
The union warned that xenophobia was becoming a serious threat not only to migrants but also to workers’ solidarity across Africa. It said attacks on foreign workers weaken labour movements and make it harder for workers to unite against poor wages, unemployment and exploitation.
“Xenophobia is not good for anybody, especially the world of work, because it fractures working-class unity and weakens our collective bargaining power against capital,” Ajaero said.
The NLC further proposed an emergency meeting of African labour organisations under the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation and the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity.
According to the congress, the meeting would focus on developing a coordinated strategy for protecting migrant workers and preventing xenophobic violence across the continent.
Ajaero warned that if the problem is not tackled quickly and decisively in South Africa, similar attacks could spread to other African countries.
“Xenophobia is a cancer that, if not excised in South Africa, will metastasise across the continent,” he said.
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have remained a major concern for many African countries over the years. Migrants from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia and other African nations have repeatedly faced violence, looting and threats in some South African communities.
In several past incidents, shops and businesses owned by foreigners were destroyed or looted by angry mobs. Some attacks also resulted in deaths and injuries, forcing many migrants to flee their homes or return to their countries.
Many South Africans who support the attacks often accuse migrants of taking jobs, increasing crime and putting pressure on public services. However, rights groups and labour organisations argue that the real causes of unemployment and poverty are poor economic conditions, inequality and governance challenges.
South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates in Africa, especially among young people. The country has also struggled with rising living costs, poverty and frustration among citizens, leading to tensions in some communities.
Despite these economic difficulties, several African leaders and organisations have repeatedly condemned attacks on migrants, insisting that African countries should work together instead of turning against one another.
Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s biggest economies, have in the past experienced diplomatic tensions linked to xenophobic violence. Previous attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa triggered protests in Nigeria, with some citizens demanding stronger action from the Federal Government.
In 2019, widespread xenophobic attacks in South Africa caused outrage across Africa after several foreign-owned businesses were looted and destroyed. Nigeria later evacuated some of its citizens from South Africa following the violence.
The issue has remained sensitive because many Africans believe the attacks go against the spirit of African unity promoted by organisations such as the African Union. Critics also point out that many African countries supported South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, making the attacks on fellow Africans particularly painful.
Labour unions have also expressed concern that xenophobia could divide workers and weaken efforts to demand better conditions from governments and employers.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly urged the South African government to strengthen law enforcement and protect all residents regardless of nationality. They also called for public education campaigns to address hate speech and misinformation about migrants.
The latest statement by the NLC reflects growing concern among African labour groups over the future of regional cooperation and workers’ rights. Analysts say labour unions have an important role to play because they have strong influence among workers and local communities.
Some Nigerians living in South Africa have also repeatedly appealed for stronger protection, saying many migrants now live in fear because of repeated attacks and threats. Business owners in affected areas often suffer heavy financial losses whenever violence breaks out.
For many Africans, the call by the NLC is seen as part of wider efforts to defend the rights of migrant workers and strengthen unity on the continent at a time of growing economic hardship and social tension.
As pressure mounts on South African authorities to address the situation, many observers say decisive action against xenophobia will be necessary to protect lives, preserve Africa’s image and strengthen solidarity among workers across the continent.