The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has called on MultiChoice to immediately suspend the 2026 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, scheduled to hold on May 9 at Eko Hotels & Suites, in honour of Nigerians and other African nationals who have recently fallen victim to xenophobic violence in South Africa.
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FOSAD expresses deep outrage and concern over the disturbing wave of attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa, describing the ongoing violence as inhumane, barbaric, and a gross violation of human dignity and African solidarity.
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In recent weeks, social media platforms have been flooded with harrowing videos and images depicting the brutalization, dehumanization, and in some cases, the killing of Nigerians. Particularly distressing is the widely circulated footage showing two Nigerian women being publicly beaten and stripped nakedโan act FOSAD condemns in the strongest possible terms as a disgrace to humanity and a stain on the conscience of the African continent.
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The Forum notes with alarm that beyond physical violence, Nigerians in South Africa are increasingly subjected to systemic discrimination, including denial of access to essential social amenities such as healthcare and education. These developments, FOSAD argues, point to a dangerous escalation that requires urgent continental and international attention.
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Against this backdrop, FOSAD maintains that proceeding with a high-profile entertainment event such as the AMVCA at this time would be grossly insensitive and morally indefensible. The Forum insists that hosting a celebratory gathering while Nigerians are being humiliated, attacked, and killed sends the wrong message and undermines the gravity of the crisis.
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โGoing ahead with the AMVCA under these circumstances would amount to a slap in the face of victims and their families. It would signal indifference to the suffering of Nigerians in South Africa and trivialise the seriousness of the ongoing xenophobic attacks,โ the statement reads.
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FOSAD further emphasizes that Nigeria has historically played a significant role in supporting South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, including global advocacy that contributed to the eventual release of Nelson Mandela. The Forum describes the current treatment of Nigerians as a betrayal of that shared history and solidarity.
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โIt is deeply painful that a country Nigeria once stood firmly behind during its darkest days now witnesses the humiliation and killing of Nigerians on its soil,โ FOSAD stated.
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The Forum also cautioned that ignoring the situation could heighten tensions within Nigeria, warning of possible reprisals by aggrieved citizens if the plight of victims continues to be overlooked.
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FOSAD therefore calls on MultiChoice, owners of DSTV and GOtv, to act responsibly by suspending the 12th edition of the AMVCA as a mark of respect for victims and as a demonstration of corporate sensitivity to ongoing humanitarian concerns.
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โThis is not merely about entertainment; it is about humanity, dignity, and justice. At a time when lives are being lost and dignity stripped away, celebration must give way to reflection and solidarity,โ the statement added.
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The Forum further urged the Nigerian government and relevant diplomatic channels to intensify efforts to protect Nigerian citizens abroad and hold perpetrators of xenophobic violence accountable under international law.
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Signed
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Dr Stephen Nwala
President, Forum of South East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
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Dr Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary General, Forum of South East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
www.fosads.org
