XENOPHOBIC VIOLENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA; THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATION ON SOUTH AFRICA –NIGERIA RELATIONS, FROM 1994-2021

ABSTRACT

The study had examined the xenophobic violence in South Africa; it's economic implication on South Africa –Nigeria relations, from 1994-2021. The study showed the concept of xenophobia and causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa, the relations between Nigeria and South Africa up until 1994, nature and manifestation of xenophobic violence on Nigerian-South Africa relations and, the impact of xenophobic attacks on Nigerian-South African economic relations. The choice for this study was based on the attacked on Nigerians as showed by some international and local media outlet. The relationship between Nigeria and South Africa has never been tense, except during the apartheid era when Nigeria sought independence for its African brothers. The apartheid system repressed blacks and socially disaggregated society. Nigeria supported the struggle against apartheid and provided support to revolutionary parties in South Africa. The final stage of apartheid saw Nelson Mandela's release in 1990 and the lifting of the African National Congress ban. Since 1994, the relationship has been strained due to human rights issues. However, the restoration of cordial relations has been influenced by xenophobic violence in South Africa, affecting Nigerians. This study aims to examine the effects of this violence on Nigeria-South Africa's economic relations and the causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa.