Air Peace CEO Urges Economic Boycott of South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks

Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyema, has called for economic pressure on South Africa following fresh xenophobic unrest targeting African migrants.

Onyema urged Nigerians to avoid violent retaliation. Instead, he asked citizens to use non-violent economic action, including boycotts and reduced investment in South African businesses.

He made the call during an interview on Arise TV, where he criticised South African authorities for failing to protect foreign nationals during attacks and anti-immigrant protests.

The Air Peace boss argued that Nigeria must respond with strategy, not street violence.

Why Onyema Wants Nigerians To Boycott South Africa

Onyema believes South Africa must face consequences for repeated xenophobic attacks against African migrants.

He argued that Nigerians should withdraw their support from South Africa if the country continues to tolerate hostility against foreigners.

According to him, economic pressure sends a stronger message than violence. He advised Nigerians not to attack South African citizens or destroy South African-linked businesses in Nigeria.

He also warned that violent retaliation would hurt Nigerians too, especially those who own shares or work in companies with South African links.

Onyema Rejects Attacks On South African Businesses In Nigeria

Although Onyema supports retaliation, he wants it to remain peaceful.

He rejected calls for Nigerians to attack or shut down companies such as MTN and other South African-linked businesses operating in Nigeria.

He explained that many Nigerians have investments, jobs and business interests tied to those companies.

For him, the better option is a consumer-led boycott and a strategic withdrawal of support from South Africa.

He described this as a non-violent way to show displeasure without creating more damage at home.

Why He Criticised South African Authorities

Onyema also questioned the response of South African security agencies during xenophobic attacks.

He argued that South Africa has the police, military and other security structures needed to stop violent groups from harassing migrants.

He expressed concern that mobs could confront foreigners, demand their papers and force them out of their homes without quick intervention from authorities.

The airline chief suggested that the silence or slow response of government officials gives attackers more confidence.

Nigerians Contribute To South Africa’s Economy, Onyema Says

Onyema defended the role of Nigerians in South Africa’s economy.

He argued that many Nigerians who run shops and businesses in South Africa did not take jobs away from locals. Instead, they brought their own capital, opened businesses and contributed to local commerce.

He said South Africans could learn from the entrepreneurial drive of Nigerians rather than treat them as enemies.

His comments came amid renewed anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, where foreign nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Malawi and other African countries have faced threats and attacks.

The Business Cost Of Xenophobic Unrest

The unrest carries wider business risks for South Africa and the region.

South Africa remains one of Africa’s biggest economies. It hosts major companies, attracts foreign workers and depends on cross-border trade with other African countries.

When xenophobic attacks continue, they damage trust between African nations. They also create uncertainty for investors, entrepreneurs and workers who need stable markets to operate.

For Nigerian businesses and professionals in South Africa, the attacks raise serious concerns about safety, property protection and long-term investment.

For South African companies operating across the continent, the backlash could also affect brand perception and customer loyalty.

Why Non-Violent Pressure May Matter

Onyema’s call focuses on economic pressure rather than physical confrontation.

A boycott can affect travel, consumer spending, partnerships and investment flows. It also allows Nigerians to express anger without putting lives or businesses at risk.

This approach may appeal to people who want a strong response but do not want another cycle of violence.

It also sends a diplomatic message: African countries cannot build regional trade and integration while their citizens face hostility in neighbouring markets.

What This Means For Nigeria And South Africa

The latest tension comes at a sensitive time for African economic cooperation.

The African Continental Free Trade Area is pushing for deeper trade across the continent. But xenophobic violence threatens that vision.

If Africans cannot live, work or trade safely across borders, regional integration becomes harder to achieve.

Onyema’s comments therefore go beyond anger over one incident. They speak to a larger question about how African countries treat each other’s citizens.

For Nigeria, the issue touches on the safety of its citizens abroad. For South Africa, it raises questions about security, migration policy and its image as a major African business hub.

The Bigger Picture

Onyema’s message is clear: Nigerians should not respond to xenophobia with violence, but South Africa should not expect silence either.

His call for a boycott reflects growing frustration over repeated attacks on African migrants. It also shows how xenophobic unrest can move from a social problem into a business and diplomatic issue.

The real test now is whether African leaders can address the root causes of the tension before it damages relations further.

For now, Onyema wants Nigerians to use their economic power to make a point: if South Africa cannot protect Africans, Africans can choose where to spend, invest and do business.