Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa, saying illegal migration should be addressed through the law rather than violence or destruction of property.
Obasanjo made the remarks during an interview, where he also recalled Nigeria’s financial and diplomatic support for the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
He said Nigeria supported the anti-apartheid struggle on principle and in opposition to racial discrimination, stressing that no black person should be treated as inferior because of race.
On undocumented migrants, Obasanjo said their presence did not justify unlawful actions against them. He urged South African authorities and citizens to avoid violence, destruction of property and other violations in dealing with illegal migration.
The former president also questioned the assumption that foreign nationals are generally responsible for crime, noting that migrants can contribute to the economy through businesses and job creation.
Obasanjo said violence against migrants was inconsistent with efforts to promote African integration and stronger economic cooperation among countries on the continent.
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