News
UN Chief Guterres Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Foreign Nationals in South Africa
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Antonio-Guterres.jpg&description=UN Chief Guterres Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Foreign Nationals in South Africa', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Antonio-Guterres.jpg&description=UN Chief Guterres Condemns Xenophobic Attacks on Foreign Nationals in South Africa', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the repeated xenophobic attacks and intimidation against foreign nationals in South Africa, using the country’s Freedom Day commemoration to raise alarm over the situation.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Guterres expressed serious concern about recent incidents of violence and hate speech targeting migrants, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. He noted that it was especially troubling that such events occurred on April 27—Freedom Day, marking South Africa’s first democratic elections after apartheid.
The UN chief reminded South Africa that its liberation struggle was built on African and global solidarity, stressing that violence, mob justice, and hate-driven attacks have no place in a democratic society. He also highlighted that migrants have historically contributed to South Africa’s development and should not be unfairly blamed for economic challenges.
While acknowledging issues such as unemployment and poverty, Guterres insisted they cannot justify attacks on vulnerable groups. He called on authorities to ensure swift, impartial investigations into recent violence, free from political influence, and to guarantee justice for all victims regardless of nationality.
He further urged full implementation of South Africa’s National Action Plan against Racism and Xenophobia. The UN’s intervention comes after years of sporadic xenophobic violence in the country, often linked to vigilante groups claiming to defend local economic interests. Human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized the lack of accountability for perpetrators.
As South Africa marks 32 years since the end of apartheid, the UN statement underscores a troubling reality: for many migrants living in the country, the promise of freedom and safety remains uncertain.
President Bola Tinubu has asked the senate to approve a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The request was contained in a letter dated June 15, 2026, and read on the floor of the senate on Tuesday by Godswill Akpabio.
In the correspondence, Tinubu said the proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026, seeks to amend the 1999 constitution to provide a legal framework for the creation of state police services.
The president said the bill is designed to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges by introducing a dual policing structure that would allow both federal and state policing systems to operate within a constitutional framework.
According to him, the proposal builds on previous legislative efforts by both chambers of the national assembly and contains additional safeguards to ensure effective implementation.
“This bill builds on the significant work already done in this regard by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and incorporates additional safeguards to ensure that the creation of a dual policing structure to address our nation’s evolving national security challenges, will be achieved quickly and effectively to the benefit of all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
The president described the proposed legislation as a key component of his administration’s broader plan to reform Nigeria’s security system and improve the protection of lives and property.
“The proposed legislation is a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganize Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens, and I’m confident that the Senate will act quickly to consider and pass this bill,” he added.
Read Also: Amnesty International Demands Immediate Release of Omoyele Sowore, Condemns Detention
Tinubu urged lawmakers to give the proposal expeditious consideration.
Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the bill to the senate committee on constitution review for further legislative action.
The committee was directed to report back to the chamber on the next legislative day.
The Nigerian Senate has fixed Wednesday for the passage of the state police bill.
The lawmakers had cut short their recess to consider the bill, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution and decentralise Nigeria’s policing system in response to worsening security challenges
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday transmitted an executive version of the bill to the Senate through a letter dated June 15, 2026.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a dual policing system in which federal and state police forces operate alongside each other.
At the plenary on Tuesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the proposal as a key step towards restructuring Nigeria’s security framework.
The proposed legislation was immediately referred to the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, which is expected to present its report for consideration and voting.
Akpabio called on senators to be present for the exercise, stressing the need for broad support to secure its passage.
“Every senator should endeavor to come tomorrow to be part of this exercise.
“We are going to be live tomorrow and your constituents will be seeing what you are doing,” he added.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has presented Certificates of Return to candidates who emerged victorious in the by-elections conducted on June 20, 2026, across Rivers, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo and Kano States.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the electoral commission.
According to INEC, the certificates were presented on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, by the Supervising National Commissioner for Rivers State, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu.
Speaking during the presentation, Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated the successful candidates and urged them to prioritise the interests of the people they were elected to represent.
“The most important responsibility before you is to represent your constituents well,” Agbamuche-Mbu said.
The National Commissioner also reminded the winners of the expectations placed on them by voters and encouraged them to serve with diligence and commitment.
INEC further disclosed that Certificates of Return would also be presented to winners of other recently concluded elections, including the Zuru State Constituency election in Kebbi State and the governorship election in Ekiti State.
INEC said the presentation of the certificates followed the conclusion of the bye-elections conducted on June 20, 2026.
Tinubu Seeks Constitutional Backing For State Police, Writes Senate
State Police: Senate will formally pass Bill on Wednesday
INEC formally confirms winners of by-elections, issues certificates of return
-
News15 hours agoTinubu Appoints Former UNILAG VC Ogundipe as NUC Governing Board Chairman
-
Metro15 hours agoDisaster Averted in Enugu as Rescue Teams Contain Gas Leak After Truck Crash at Ugwuonyeama
-
News14 hours agoWait for 2027, Presidency Tells Peter Obi Amid Calls for Tinubu’s Resignation
-
News14 hours agoEl-Rufai confessed to wiretapping NSA’s phone on TV interview- witness
-
Metro14 hours agoBuilding Collapses Along Slaughter Road in Port Harcourt, No Casualties Reported
-
News14 hours agoEx-Delta Gov Okowa Visits EFCC Lagos Office
-
News10 hours agoSenator Abba Moro hails Olaka Nwogu on electoral victory
-
News14 hours ago‘We Need Help Now’ — Nigerians Trapped in South Africa Appeal to Tinubu