I left my wife and twins behind - why this Nigerian man fled South Africa
A Nigerian businessman has fled South Africa following a surge in anti-migrant protests and harassment, leaving behind his family and business. The situation highlights growing diplomatic tensions and the human cost of rising xenophobia in the region.
Why it matters
The story highlights the geopolitical and humanitarian consequences of anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa and its impact on international relations.
Image caption, Richard Itoro says returning to Nigeria and starting again was the better option
Nigerian Richard Itoro is not sure when he will see his twin children again.
Fearing for his safety as the anti-migrant protests cranked up in South Africa this year, the 47-year-old left his family and business behind in Johannesburg and boarded one of the voluntary repatriation flights to Nigeria in June.
His is just one of many experiences that is fuelling diplomatic tension and threatening to rupture relations between South Africa and other countries on the continent.
Tens of thousands of foreigners have left the country over the past two months.
"It was painful for me to leave [the] person who's my best friend," Itoro tells the BBC, with tears welling up, as he reflects on saying goodbye to his South African wife.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in