Senior FIDA Member Ruth Kaburuk-Badung Urges Relocation of 2026 Congress Over Xenophobia Concerns.

Senior FIDA Member & Retired Nipost Director Pastor Ruth Kaburuk-Badung Urges Relocation of 2026 Congress Over Xenophobia Concerns.

A senior member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has called for the urgent relocation of the 2026 FIDA African Regional Congress earlier scheduled to hold in Cape Town, South Africa, citing growing fears over xenophobic attacks targeting Africans and Nigerians in the country.

In a strongly worded appeal dated April 26, 2026, addressed to the International President, International Executive Council, and the Regional Planning Committee of the Federación Internacional de Abogadas (FIDA), Abuja-based legal practitioner, Ruth Zikachat Kaburuk-Badung Esq., urged the organization to reconsider South Africa as host nation for the continental gathering.

The Congress, scheduled for November 10–14, 2026, is themed: “Uniting Voices, Advancing Justice: Building a Stronger Africa for All.”

According to the appeal, the worsening wave of xenophobic violence reported across parts of South Africa has raised serious safety concerns for intending delegates, particularly Nigerians who are expected to make up a significant percentage of participants at the Congress.

Ruth Kaburuk-Badung, a legal practitioner of over 30 years post-call experience and an active member of FIDA Nigeria Abuja Branch, argued that the prevailing security concerns contradict the spirit of the Congress and undermine FIDA’s longstanding commitment to the protection of women, human rights, and African solidarity.

“The ongoing xenophobic attacks violate core human rights protections and create an environment of fear and insecurity for African delegates,” the letter stated.

The appeal referenced recent media reports and safety advisories issued following violent protests and attacks allegedly targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, including Cape Town, Durban, Gauteng, and East London.

The letter also pointed to reports indicating that Nigerians in affected areas had been advised to remain indoors and temporarily shut businesses amid tensions.

While calling for immediate action, the senior lawyer proposed Rwanda as a possible alternative venue for the Congress, citing the country’s reputation for safety, infrastructure, women inclusion in governance, and Pan-African cooperation.

According to her, relocating the event would not only ensure the safety and full participation of delegates but would also send a strong message that FIDA stands firmly against xenophobia and violence against Africans.

The development has sparked conversations within legal and advocacy circles about the broader implications of hosting major continental gatherings in environments perceived as unsafe for participants.

FIDA, a global organization committed to advancing the rights of women and children through law and advocacy, is yet to issue an official response to the appeal at the time of filing this report.