Nigeria condemns xenophobic attacks, demands action from South Africa
The Federal Government has called on South Africa to take immediate steps to stop recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals, warning that the violence continues to threaten relations between both countries.
The demand was made on Monday when the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, received a South African delegation led by the country’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu did not meet the delegation, despite its visit to deliver a message from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Instead, he directed the envoy to meet with Enikanolaiye, who is expected to brief him on the outcome of the discussions.
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Speaking during the meeting, Enikanolaiye described the attacks as a long-standing problem, noting that incidents had been recorded over several years. He said 98 Nigerians had died in mob attacks and hate-related violence in South Africa since 2022.
The minister said Nigeria does not support criminal activities but insisted that anyone accused of an offence should be prosecuted through the legal system rather than subjected to mob justice. He also expressed concern that some Nigerians living legally in South Africa had become victims of the attacks.
Enikanolaiye recalled that Nigeria had evacuated about 1,500 citizens from South Africa following previous attacks, adding that many returned home after losing their homes and property.
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In response, Lamola said President Ramaphosa remained opposed to xenophobia, racism and all forms of discrimination. He, however, maintained that South Africa would continue to enforce its immigration laws and tackle criminal activities within its borders.
Lamola added that migration remained a shared African challenge and expressed confidence that continued dialogue between Nigeria and South Africa would help ease the diplomatic tension caused by the recent attacks.