Falana urges Nigeria and Ghana to sue South Africa over xenophobic attacks
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on Nigeria and Ghana to take legal action against South Africa for renewed xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants. He criticised the decision to report the matter to the African Union, arguing that only the African Court can order compensation for victims. Falana also condemned South Africa’s rejection of Nigeria’s request for compensation for citizens forced to abandon their businesses and properties. He urged the Bola Tinubu administration to enable citizens to access the African Court for redress.
What we know
- Femi Falana urged Nigeria, Ghana, and other affected countries to sue South Africa at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
- He argued that the African Union lacks the authority to compel South Africa to pay compensation to victims of xenophobic attacks.
- South Africa reportedly rejected Nigeria’s request for compensation, claiming many affected migrants were in the country illegally, a claim disputed by victims.
- Falana criticised remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa and called for aggravated damages against the South African government.
- He urged the Bola Tinubu administration to accept the African Court’s jurisdiction so Nigerians can seek legal redress for abuses.
