Nigerian community leaders in South Africa are urging urgent diplomatic intervention after anti-migrant group Operation Dudula allegedly barred foreigners from public hospitals, forcing some women to give birth on bare floors.
Nigerians in South Africa have raised alarm over renewed xenophobic attacks by the anti-migrant group Operation Dudula, which they accuse of blocking foreigners from public hospitals and other services. “Imagine a woman giving birth on a bare floor in an open space in front of a hospital without getting any antenatal care and the assistance of a midwife,” said Frank Onyekwelu, President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa. He warned that patients are being discharged without treatment and appealed for diplomatic action.
Smart Nwobi, head of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, cited a case where a nursing mother was denied access to immunisation for her baby, calling the group’s actions “purely illegal.” Former Nigerian diplomats Rasheed Akinkuolie and Ogbole Amedu-Ode condemned the attacks as criminal and urged Nigeria to summon South Africa’s ambassador.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said African envoys are engaging Pretoria. South African authorities have faced criticism for not curbing the vigilante group, which claims to fight illegal immigration.