Protesters in South Africa have given migrants living illegally in the country until the end of the month to leave.
This comes months after another deadline came and went, and while the threat carries no legal force, it is causing major ructions between Africa's richest country and its most populous — Nigeria.
The ultimatum, issued by a coalition of civic groups, has heightened tensions between Pretoria and Abuja, with Nigerian officials raising alarm over the safety of their citizens and calling for diplomatic engagement.
South African authorities have distanced themselves from the protesters' demand, reaffirming that immigration enforcement is the exclusive remit of the state. Yet the rhetoric has stoked unease in migrant communities and drawn sharp responses from across the continent.
As the deadline approaches, regional observers are watching closely to see whether the standoff deepens a diplomatic rift or opens a path toward a managed, lawful resolution.