Falana Wants Nigeria, Ghana to Take South Africa to Human Rights Court

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the governments of Nigeria and Ghana to take legal action against South Africa at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants.

Speaking in a statement on Sunday, Falana said referring the matter to the African Union would be ineffective because the organisation lacks the authority to order compensation for victims.

He argued that only the African Court can provide meaningful remedies and award damages.

His comments followed reports that South Africa rejected Nigeria’s request for compensation for citizens who fled the country after recent attacks, abandoning businesses, investments and other property.

Falana described the decision as insensitive and urged Nigeria, Ghana and other affected African countries to seek justice through the court in Arusha, Tanzania.

Falana maintained that the attacks and forced displacement of migrants violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

He also criticised comments by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urging migrants to respect local laws and traditions, saying such remarks could be viewed as encouraging hostility toward foreigners.

Nigeria and South Africa have faced diplomatic tensions for years over repeated xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians.

Recent violence has reportedly forced thousands of African migrants, including Nigerians and Ghanaians, to flee parts of South Africa, while authorities continue to dispute claims for compensation.

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