Causes and Effects of Xenophobic Activities on Bilateral Relations: A Case Study of Nigeria-South Africa in the Fourth Republic (2007 - 2015)

Abstract

The study focuses on the cause and effects of xenophobic attacks on citizens of Nigeria that are in South Africa. A survey design, was used to gather information on the causes of xenophobic attacks on citizens of Nigeria. The researcher used simple random sampling technique to select the respondents who were met in their offices and public places. The researcher also selected 20 respondents from the Nigeria Ministry of Foreign affairs, South-African embassy in Nigeria and some diplomatic security agents who were so helpful during the research work. The instruments of data collection for this study were open interview and structured questionnaire designed by the researcher. The structured questionnaire divided into four sections, each containing items related to the research questions meant to elicit responses designed to guide the study. Each part has four clusters of questions meant to address each question. The response option was in Yes and No. The data collected from the questionnaire was analyzed using percentage and the results evaluated. 70% of the respondents ascertained that foreign criminals are the major cause of xenophobia in South-Africa between 2007 and 2015. While 30% of the respondents disagreed that Foreign criminals are the major cause of the xenophobic acts in South-Africa between 2007-2015. 90% of the respondents consider fear of competitions by local businessmen instigate xenophobic violence on foreigners especially Nigerian citizens in South-Africa due to the economic and political competition between the two strongest countries in the African continent.