“Silence Is Consent”: ADSC President Victor Walsh Oluwafemi Warns Over Rising Xenophobic Tensions in South Africa

The President of the Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC), Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, has called for urgent intervention by governments and continental institutions following renewed concerns over xenophobic tensions in South Africa.

Oluwafemi, an international development consultant and reputation architecture specialist, issued the warning on Monday amid reports of intimidation, anti-migrant hostility, and disruptions affecting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in parts of the country.

According to him, recent incidents—flagged by regional and global observers—have reignited scrutiny over the safety and protection of African migrants living in South Africa.

“While South Africa retains the sovereign responsibility to manage its immigration systems, emerging patterns of hostility attributed to non-state actors raise serious concerns about public order and the protection of fundamental rights,” he said.

Oluwafemi stressed that failure to respond decisively could worsen the situation, warning that inaction may embolden further hostility.
“Silence in moments such as this is not neutral. Silence enables. Silence legitimises. Silence institutionalises,” he stated.

He noted that the absence of a firm and visible response risks creating a “perception gap” that could erode trust among African communities and undermine continental integration efforts.

He urged the South African government to act with urgency by reinforcing the rule of law and ensuring that immigration enforcement remains within lawful institutional frameworks, while taking decisive steps to prevent vigilantism and protect migrant communities.

At the continental level, Oluwafemi called on the African Union to take a more proactive role in addressing xenophobia and migrant protection, noting that Africa’s integration agenda depends on a secure and stable environment for all citizens.

He also urged African governments to strengthen diplomatic coordination to safeguard their citizens abroad while maintaining constructive bilateral relations.

Highlighting Nigeria’s influence on the continent, he said the country has an opportunity to adopt a more strategic and forward-looking approach beyond routine consular responses, focusing on long-term citizen protection and preventive diplomacy.

Oluwafemi further emphasised the role of public figures and cultural leaders in shaping narratives during periods of tension, urging them to promote unity and discourage divisive rhetoric.

He warned that failure to address rising xenophobic tensions could have far-reaching consequences, including reduced investor confidence, weakened regional cooperation, and diminished credibility of continental integration frameworks.

“This situation represents more than a domestic policy challenge. It is a broader test of Africa’s collective commitment to dignity, inclusion, and mutual respect,” he said.
He concluded with a call for decisive leadership and coordinated action across the continent:

“Constructive dialogue, visible leadership, and coordinated action will be essential. Silence enables. Silence legitimises. Silence institutionalises. Africa must speak. South Africa must act.”