The Digest:
A new wave of xenophobic hostility led by the group Operation Dudula is endangering the lives of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, with reports of pregnant women being forced to give birth on bare floors outside hospitals and patients denied critical medical care. Community leaders are urgently calling for diplomatic intervention as harassment intensifies, highlighting a severe breach of human rights and regional solidarity.
Key Points:
- Operation Dudula members are blocking foreigners from entering public hospitals and clinics.
- The Nigerian Citizens Association reported cases of women giving birth without medical aid outside healthcare facilities.
- Patients are being forcibly discharged without treatment, risking their lives in emergencies.
- The group claims to be combating illegal immigration and job scarcity, but targets documented foreigners.
- Nigerian doctors in South Africa are providing voluntary aid to affected communities.
- Nigerian union leaders describe the situation as “alarming” and “illegal,” violating South Africa’s constitution.
- Former diplomats condemn the attacks as an “apartheid-era mindset” and urge strong government action.
Sources: Saturday PUNCH,
