xenophobia: Onyema Advocates Peaceful Boycott of South Africa

Air Peace Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema, has urged Nigerians to respond peacefully to reported xenophobic attacks in South Africa, calling for economic disengagement rather than violence or retaliation.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Onyema expressed deep concern over repeated incidents involving foreign nationals in South Africa. He questioned why such situations continue despite the presence of security agencies and government institutions responsible for maintaining law and order.

The airline executive criticised reports of foreigners being harassed, challenged over their immigration status and pushed out of their businesses. He argued that such treatment fails to recognise the significant contributions many Nigerian entrepreneurs have made to the South African economy.

“How do you explain when people will march into somebody’s house… ‘Can I see your papers? You’re a foreigner, you have to go back home’?” he asked.

Despite his concerns, Onyema strongly opposed any form of violent response. He stressed that Nigerians should not target South Africans or their businesses, regardless of the provocation.

“I don’t want Nigerians to go to the street and attack any South Africans. Nigerians are not like that. We love foreigners,” he said.

Instead, he recommended a South Africa boycott as a peaceful and strategic way to express dissatisfaction. According to Onyema, Nigerians should reconsider investments and business activities in the country as a form of economic response to recurring tensions.

“The kind of retaliation I want is non-violent action. Boycott South Africa. Don’t invest in that country,” he stated.

The Air Peace CEO maintained that economic measures would have a greater impact than violence or the destruction of property. He argued that peaceful pressure sends a stronger message while preserving lives and maintaining Nigeria’s reputation as a welcoming nation.

Onyema concluded that a South Africa boycott and other forms of peaceful economic action remain the most responsible approaches to addressing concerns over xenophobic attacks and protecting the interests of Nigerians abroad.