In a recent interview on C-Suite Café, Obasanjo reflected on Nigeria’s pivotal role in supporting the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, emphasizing that the nation's involvement was driven by principles of justice rather than expectations of reward.
“Nigeria’s support was rooted in our opposition to racial discrimination. No black person should be treated as inferior because of their race,” he stated, underscoring Nigeria's significant contributions to dismantling apartheid.
Obasanjo noted that without Nigeria's leadership and interventions, South Africa might not have ended the apartheid regime when it did. He reminisced about collaborating with notable figures such as former U.S. Representative Andrew Young and former British Prime Minister James Callaghan during that critical period.
Addressing the issue of undocumented migrants in South Africa, he asserted, “The existence of undocumented migrants does not justify unlawful actions against them,” warning against using “illegality to treat illegality.”
He criticized the response of local authorities and citizens who resort to violence, such as destroying migrants' homes and businesses, and questioned the assumptions linking migrants to crime, highlighting their contributions to the economy.
Obasanjo connected rising anti-immigrant sentiment to broader governance and economic challenges, suggesting that political pressure on the African National Congress and other governments may fuel public resentment when citizens' expectations are unmet.
He concluded by stating that violence against migrants undermines efforts to promote African integration and economic cooperation, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate and lawful approach to migration issues.
His comments come amid ongoing debates in South Africa regarding the treatment of foreign nationals, as concerns over undocumented migration, unemployment, and competition for resources continue to escalate.
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