Diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa have deepened after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declined to personally receive a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, amid renewed concerns over attacks on Nigerians living in the country.
Instead, Tinubu delegated the meeting to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, signaling Nigeria’s determination to seek concrete action over the recurring violence.
Ramaphosa Sends Special Envoy to Abuja
The South African delegation, led by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, met with Nigerian officials in Abuja on Monday to deliver a special message from President Ramaphosa.
Lamola said the mission was intended to strengthen bilateral relations and address growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals residing in South Africa.
During the meeting, he acknowledged Nigeria’s historic role in ending apartheid, describing the country’s contribution as one South Africa would never forget.
“We remain deeply indebted to the people of Nigeria for their sacrifice,” Lamola said.
South Africa Condemns Xenophobia
Lamola said the South African government remains firmly opposed to xenophobia, racism, discrimination, homophobia, and all forms of intolerance.
He stressed that Pretoria is committed to protecting everyone living within its borders, regardless of nationality.
At the same time, he said South Africa has a constitutional responsibility to enforce its immigration laws and combat crimes such as drug trafficking, internet fraud, and other transnational offences.
“We believe that Nigeria and South Africa have a shared responsibility to respond to these challenges within the African continent,” he said.
He added that migration should be addressed through cooperation under African Union frameworks on orderly and regular migration.
Nigeria Demands More Than Assurances
Responding on behalf of President Tinubu, Ambassador Enikanolaiye said the Nigerian leader specifically directed that the meeting should focus on the persistent attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
He urged Pretoria to move beyond public condemnations by taking practical steps to prevent recurring attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals.
According to Enikanolaiye, official Nigerian records show that at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in mob attacks and hate-related violence in South Africa since 2022.
He disclosed that five Nigerians have already lost their lives this year, while noting that some recently repatriated Nigerians believe the actual figure may be higher.
‘Criminals Should Face the Law, Not Mob Justice’
Enikanolaiye stressed that Nigeria does not shield individuals involved in criminal activities.
However, he insisted that anyone accused of wrongdoing should be investigated, arrested, prosecuted, and punished through lawful judicial processes rather than subjected to mob violence.
“Nigeria will not support drug traffickers or any criminal activity, but those accused of crimes must be treated in accordance with the rule of law, South Africa’s Constitution and international human rights standards,” he said.
He also questioned why South African security agencies had repeatedly failed to prevent attacks, despite many of the victims being legally resident in the country.
Nearly 1,500 Nigerians Repatriated
The minister further disclosed that almost 1,500 Nigerians have been repatriated from South Africa this year.
According to him, many of those who returned described traumatic experiences following the attacks.
He warned that the continued violence threatens decades of diplomatic cooperation between Africa’s two largest economies and undermines the continent’s goal of unity and integration.
A History of Strong Ties—and Recurring Tensions
Nigeria played a leading role in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle by providing financial assistance to liberation movements, offering scholarships, imposing sanctions on the apartheid regime, and mobilising international diplomatic support.
However, relations have repeatedly been strained by outbreaks of xenophobic violence.
Major attacks in 2008, 2015, and 2019 left dozens of African migrants dead, hundreds injured, and businesses looted or destroyed, with Nigerians among the worst affected.
The 2019 violence prompted protests in Nigeria targeting South African-owned businesses, including MTN and Shoprite, while the Nigerian government boycotted the World Economic Forum on Africa hosted by South Africa.
Although both countries later established diplomatic mechanisms and early-warning systems to address migration and citizens’ welfare, attacks on foreign nationals have continued to generate concern.
Monday’s meeting underscores Nigeria’s growing frustration with repeated attacks on its citizens in South Africa despite years of diplomatic engagement.
While South Africa has reiterated its opposition to xenophobia and acknowledged Nigeria’s historic support during the anti-apartheid struggle, Nigerian authorities are demanding measurable action to protect their citizens and ensure perpetrators of violence are held accountable under the law….See More
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