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South Africa’s Sovereign Stand: Defending Deportation of Kenyan Nationals and Rebuking U.S. Allegations

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South Africa’s Sovereign Stand: Defending Deportation of Kenyan Nationals and Rebuking U.S. Allegations.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

In a world where national sovereignty increasingly collides with global geopolitical muscle-flexing, South Africa’s recent deportation of seven Kenyan nationals (and its rebuff of allegations emanating from the United States) stands as a defining moment in African statecraft. The incidents have not only ignited diplomatic tensions between Pretoria and Washington, but they have also exposed the fault lines of immigration sovereignty, foreign interventionism, and the rule of law in international relations.

The uproar centers on South Africa’s lawful arrest and deportation of seven Kenyan nationals who were found working without valid permits at an immigration application centre in Johannesburg. The facility was linked to the processing of refugee applications for the United States (particularly for white South Africans under a controversial U.S. resettlement programme) and has since become the fulcrum of a diplomatic dispute.

A Lawful Enforcement Action Met With Foreign Accusation. On 16 December 2025, in an intelligence-driven operation, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA), in cooperation with law enforcement partners, raided an immigration processing centre in Johannesburg where seven Kenyan nationals were found engaging in work while holding tourist visas. According to official statements, these individuals had previously applied for lawful work permits (requests that had been denied) yet continued to work in violation of the terms of entry into the country.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber later confirmed that the seven were issued deportation orders and banned from re-entry into South Africa for five years. He emphasised that the operation was conducted in strict compliance with South African immigration laws and that no United States officials were arrested during the process, which did not take place on a diplomatic site.

Yet, the United States (through statements issued by the U.S. State Department) accused South African authorities of detaining American personnel and unlawfully publicising personal information of U.S. officials. Washington cautioned that failure to hold those responsible to account could lead to “SEVERE CONSEQUENCES.”

South Africa has categorically rejected these allegations.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Pretoria labelled the suggestion of data exposure or harassment of U.S. officials as unfounded and devoid of credible evidence. The government reiterated that matters of data security are treated with “UTMOST SERIOUSNESS” and governed by established legal and diplomatic protocols. It underscored its commitment to principled diplomacy grounded in mutual respect and factual dialogue.

Sovereignty and the Rule of Law: Defending. Constitutional Mandates
South Africa’s position is not merely a defensive posture; it is an assertive declaration of state sovereignty and adherence to its legal framework. As DIRCO’s official statement put it, “The government will not negotiate its sovereignty and the implementation of the rule of law.”

This declaration resonates with foundational principles of international law. Sovereignty (the absolute authority of a state to govern its territory and enforce its laws) is a bedrock norm recognised universally. South Africa’s enforcement of its immigration statutes, particularly concerning who may work within its borders and under what conditions, is a legitimate exercise of that sovereign authority.

Professor Steven Friedman, a respected South African political analyst, argues:

“A sovereign state must, at all times, uphold the primacy of its laws. No amount of external pressure (even from powerful allies) should compromise that obligation.”

Furthermore, immigration violations are not trivial administrative infractions. They concern questions of national security, labour regulation, public order, and fairness in the administration of visas and permits. South African law (like that of other sovereign states) stipulates that work without a permit is a prosecutable offence, irrespective of the employer or perceived humanitarian objectives of foreign entities.

Foreign Programmes and Uneasy Diplomatic Terrain. The controversy is exacerbated by the highly politicised backdrop of the U.S. refugee programme at the centre of this incident. Under the administration of President Donald Trump, the United States dramatically reshaped its refugee policy, instituting a low cap on global admissions and prioritising special arrangements for white South Africans who claim racial persecution under domestic policies like Black Economic Empowerment. These claims have been widely disputed both within South Africa and by international legal scholars.

In legally robust terms, South Africa does not recognise white South Africans as refugees and a category reserved for those who face persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, as defined under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. No credible evidence supports claims of state-sanctioned persecution of white citizens.

Dr. Michael Schmidt, a scholar of international refugee law, states:
“A host state must not become complicit in the redefinition of persecution criteria for political convenience. Refugee status is a legal category and not a political bargaining chip.”

The fact that the centre in question was engaged in processing such applications (and that foreign workers were present without proper authorisation) raised legitimate concerns for South African authorities about the legality and diplomatic propriety of the operation.

Diplomatic Engagement: Rejecting Threats, Embracing Dialogue. Despite the tension, South Africa has not shut the door on diplomacy. DIRCO has asserted that it has engaged the United States through official channels to clarify the allegations and to ensure that future interactions respect both countries’ legal frameworks and mutual interests.

In the words of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations:

“Diplomacy is not conducted through threats or unilateral declarations. It requires dialogue rooted in facts, mutual understanding, and respect for sovereign law.”

This approach reflects a mature understanding of statecraft. South Africa is neither isolationist nor adversarial by default, but it will push back against narratives that compromise its legal autonomy.

Contextualising the U.S. Response. The United States’ sharp reaction (including threats of “severe consequences”) stems from multiple sources. Washington is sensitive to perceived challenges to its global leadership, especially where humanitarian or refugee programmes are involved. Moreover, the political utility of the Afrikaner refugee narrative within certain U.S. domestic constituencies has amplified tensions. However, diplomacy that favours ideological narratives over legal realities cannot withstand scrutiny in the global arena.

Renowned international law expert Professor Fatima Hussain encapsulates the issue succinctly:

“International cooperation cannot thrive on the assumption that might makes right. Respect for legal norms must transcend political posturing.”

Sovereignty on Trial: A Landmark Moment for Principle and Law. South Africa’s handling of the deportation of Kenyan nationals (and its decisive rejection of unfounded allegations) serves as a reminder that the rule of law cannot be subordinated to geopolitical pressure. In an era where powerful nations often wield influence over weaker states, Pretoria’s forthright stance affirms that sovereignty and legal order remain paramount.

More than an immigration enforcement action, this episode is a litmus test of the principles that underpin just international relations. It calls on African nations (and indeed all states) to defend legal sovereignty, resist external coercion, and uphold dignity in diplomatic engagement.

As the dust settles, the conversation must move beyond partisan headlines and confront the substantive issues at stake: legitimate law enforcement, respect for sovereign borders, and an international system governed not by unilateral threats, but by shared commitment to law, order, and mutual respect.

 

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Rt Hon Treasure Edwin Inyang Appointed Secretary General to the Government of UKA (Worldwide)

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Rt Hon Treasure Edwin Inyang Appointed Secretary General to the Government of UKA (Worldwide)*

Rt Hon Treasure Edwin Inyang Appointed Secretary General to the Government of UKA (Worldwide)*

 

January 29, 2026 – A prestigious appointment has been announced in the reign of Emperor Solomon Wining 1st, recognizing Rt Hon Treasure Edwin Inyang as the *Secretary General to the Government of UKA (Worldwide)*. The official certificate, designated STE.001-1 E, was presented to Rt Hon Inyang during a ceremonial investiture.

 

As Secretary General, Rt Hon Treasure Edwin Inyang will *monitor and coordinate* the implementation of government policies and programmes, serve as an advisory institution to the Government, drive policy formulation, harmonization, and implementation, and oversee the activities of ministries, agencies, and departments.

 

The appointment was proclaimed by *Emperor Prof. Dr. Solomon Wining*, Emperor of the United Kingdom of Atlantics and Empire Worldwide, and co-signed by *Empress Prof. Dr. Sriwan Kingjun*, Empress of Attica Empire, under the auspices of the 5 Billions Humanitarian Projects Incorporated.

 

The ceremony underscores the commitment to strengthening governance and humanitarian initiatives within the UKA (Worldwide) jurisdiction, effective immediately in the reign of Emperor Solomon Wining 1st.

Rt Hon Treasure Edwin Inyang Appointed Secretary General to the Government of UKA (Worldwide)*

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GENERAL BULAMA BIU MOURNS BOKO HARAM VICTIMS, CALLS FOR UNITY AND RENEWED EFFORTS FOR PEACE

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GENERAL BULAMA BIU MOURNS BOKO HARAM VICTIMS, CALLS FOR UNITY AND RENEWED EFFORTS FOR PEACE

 

In a solemn message of condolence and resolve, Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu mni (Rtd), the Sarkin Yakin of Biu Emirate, has expressed profound grief over a recent deadly attack by Boko Haram insurgents on citizens at a work site. The attack, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives, has been condemned as a senseless and barbaric act of inhumanity.

 

The revered traditional and military leader extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, and all patriotic Nigerians affected by the tragedy. He described the victims as “innocent, peaceful, hardworking and committed citizens,” whose lives were tragically cut short.

 

General Biu lamented that the assault represents “one too many” such ruthless attacks, occurring at a time when communities are already engaged in immense personal and collective sacrifices to support government efforts in rebuilding devastated infrastructure and restoring hope.

 

In his statement, he offered prayers for the departed, saying, “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannan Firdaus.” He further urged the living to be encouraged by and uphold the spirit of sacrifice demonstrated by the victims.

 

Emphasizing the need for collective action, the retired Major General called on all citizens to redouble their efforts in building a virile community that future generations can be proud of. He specifically commended the “silent efforts” of some patriotic leaders working behind the scenes to end the security menace and encouraged all well-meaning Nigerians to join the cause for a better society.

 

“Together we can surmount the troubles,” he asserted, concluding with a prayer for divine intervention: “May Allah guide and protect us, free us from this terrible situation and restore an enduring peace, security, unity and prosperity. Amin.”

 

The statement serves as both a poignant tribute to the fallen and a clarion call for national solidarity in the face of persistent security challenges.

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When a Nation Outgrows Its Care

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When a Nation Outgrows Its Care.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

“Population Pressure, Poverty and the Politics of Responsibility.”

Nigeria is not merely growing. It is swelling and faster than its institutions, faster than its conscience and far faster than its capacity to care for those it produces. In a world already straining under inequality, climate stress and fragile governance, Nigeria has become a living paradox: immense human potential multiplied without the social, economic or political scaffolding required to sustain it.

This is not a demographic miracle. It is a governance failure colliding with cultural denial.

Across the globe, societies facing economic hardship typically respond by slowing population growth through education, access to healthcare and deliberate family planning. Nigeria, by contrast, expands relentlessly, even as schools decay, hospitals collapse, power grids fail and public trust erodes. The contradiction is jarring: a country that struggles to FEED, EDUCATE and EMPLOY its people continues to produce more lives than it can dignify.

And when the inevitable consequences arrive (unemployment, crime, desperation, migration) the blame is conveniently outsourced to government alone, as though citizens bear no agency, no RESPONSIBILITY, no ROLE in shaping their collective destiny.

This evasion is at the heart of Nigeria’s crisis.

The political economist Amartya Sen has long said that development is not merely about economic growth but about expanding human capabilities. Nigeria does the opposite. It multiplies human beings while shrinking the space in which they can thrive. The result is a society where life is abundant but opportunity is scarce, where children are born into structural neglect rather than possibility.

Governments matter. Bad governments destroy nations. Though no government, however competent, can sustainably provide for a population expanding without restraint in an environment devoid of planning, infrastructure and accountability.

This is where the conversation becomes uncomfortable and therefore necessary.

For decades, Nigerian leaders have failed spectacularly. Public education has been HOLLOWED out. Healthcare has become a LUXURY. Electricity remains UNRELIABLE. Social safety nets are virtually NONEXISTENT. Public funds vanish into PRIVATE POCKETS with brazen regularity. These are not disputed facts; they are lived realities acknowledged by development agencies, scholars and ordinary citizens alike.

Yet amid this collapse, REPRODUCTION continues unchecked, often CELEBRATED rather than QUESTIONED. Large families persist not as a strategy of hope but as a cultural reflex, untouched by economic logic or future consequence. Children are brought into circumstances where hunger is normalized, schooling is uncertain and survival is a daily contest.

The philosopher Hannah Arendt warned that irresponsibility flourishes where accountability is diffused. In Nigeria, responsibility has become a political orphan. The state blames history, colonialism or global systems. Citizens blame the state. Meanwhile, children inherit the cost of this mutual abdication.

International development scholars consistently emphasize that education (especially of girls) correlates strongly with smaller, healthier families and better economic outcomes. Nigeria has ignored this lesson at scale. Where education is weak, fertility remains high. Where healthcare is absent, birth becomes both risk and ritual. Where women lack autonomy, choice disappears.

This is not destiny. It is policy failure reinforced by social silence.

Religious and cultural institutions, which wield enormous influence, have largely avoided confronting the economic implications of unchecked population growth. Instead, they often frame reproduction as a moral absolute divorced from material reality. The result is a dangerous romanticism that sanctifies birth while neglecting life after birth.

The Kenyan scholar Ali Mazrui once observed that Africa’s tragedy is not lack of resources but lack of responsibility in managing abundance. Nigeria exemplifies this truth painfully. Rich in land, talent and natural wealth, the country behaves as though human life is an infinite resource requiring no investment beyond conception.

This mindset is unsustainable.

Around the world, nations that escaped mass poverty did so by aligning population growth with state capacity. They invested in people before multiplying them. They built systems before expanding demand. They treated citizens not as numbers but as future contributors whose welfare was essential to national survival.

Nigeria has inverted this logic. It produces demand without supply, citizens without systems, lives without ladders.

To say this is not to absolve government. It is to indict both leadership and followership in equal measure. Governance is not a one-way transaction. A society that demands accountability must also practice responsibility. Family planning is not a foreign conspiracy. It is a survival strategy. Reproductive choice is not moral decay. It is economic realism.

The Nigerian sociologist Adebayo Olukoshi has argued that development fails where political elites and social norms reinforce each other’s worst tendencies. In Nigeria, elite corruption meets popular denial, and the outcome is demographic pressure without developmental intent.

This pressure manifests everywhere: overcrowded classrooms, collapsing cities, rising youth unemployment and a mass exodus of talent seeking dignity elsewhere. Migration is not a dream; it is an indictment. People leave not because they hate their country, but because their country has failed to imagine a future with them in it.

And still, the cycle continues.

At some point, honesty must replace sentiment. A nation cannot endlessly reproduce its way out of poverty. Children are not economic policy. Birth is not development. Hope without planning is cruelty.

True patriotism requires difficult conversations. It demands confronting cultural habits that no longer serve collective survival. It insists on shared responsibility between state and citizen. It recognizes that bringing life into the world carries obligations that extend far beyond celebration.

Nigeria does not lack people. It lacks care, coordination and courage. The courage to align birth with dignity, growth with governance and culture with reality.

Until that reckoning occurs, complaints will continue, governments will rotate and generations will be born into a system that apologizes for its failures while reproducing them.

A nation that refuses to plan its future cannot complain when the future overwhelms it.

 

When a Nation Outgrows Its Care.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester

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