I left my wife and twins behind - why this Nigerian man fled South Africa
A Nigerian businessman living in South Africa was forced to leave his family and business behind due to rising anti-migrant sentiment and harassment. His story highlights the growing diplomatic tensions between South Africa and other African nations regarding migration.
Why it matters
Illustrates the human cost of xenophobia and the resulting strain on international diplomatic relations in Africa.
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.
Over 15 years, he had built up a car-dealership business, bought a home and created a family. That is now all gone for him.
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