Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa, warning that the presence of undocumented migrants does not justify violence against them.

Obasanjo made the remarks during an interview on C-Suite Café, where he also recalled Nigeria’s financial and diplomatic support for the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

He said Nigeria’s involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle was driven by opposition to racial discrimination rather than expectations of reward.

The former president said the principle behind Nigeria’s position was that no Black person should be treated as inferior because of race.

He also credited Nigeria’s leadership and interventions with contributing significantly to the eventual dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.

Obasanjo recalled working with several African and international leaders during the struggle, including former United States Representative Andrew Young, former British Prime Minister James Callaghan, former Mozambican President Samora Machel and former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda.

On the treatment of migrants, he said South African authorities and citizens should not respond to illegal migration by committing further unlawful acts.

He questioned the practice of allowing local groups to destroy the homes or businesses of undocumented migrants, saying the response to illegal migration should remain within the law.

Obasanjo also challenged assumptions linking foreign nationals generally with criminal activity, asking what proportion were involved in crime and how many contributed to the economy through job creation and other activities.

He linked resentment towards migrants to wider governance and economic challenges, saying political pressure could increase when citizens’ economic expectations were not being met.

The former president said violence against migrants was inconsistent with efforts to promote African integration and economic cooperation.