FG, South Africa hold talks over fresh xenophobic attacks

Nigeria has formally raised concerns with South Africa over a recent surge in xenophobic attacks targeting its citizens. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, met with South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who attended as a special envoy for President Cyril Ramaphosa.

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President Bola Tinubu had directed that the issue of repeated attacks on Nigerians in South Africa be addressed frankly and decisively.

Enikanolaiye conveyed President Bola Tinubu's directive for a frank and decisive address of the issue. He called for immediate, practical measures to halt the "recurring Afrophobic attacks" against Nigerians and other African nationals. The minister cautioned that the ongoing violence risks undermining the long-standing relationship between Africa's two largest economies.

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The minister called on the South African authorities to take immediate and practical measures to halt what Nigeria described as recurring Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.

Nigeria's engagement also invoked historical ties, recalling Nigeria's support for South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle and their joint efforts in continental organizations like the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa's Development. Enikanolaiye noted that xenophobic violence against Nigerians has been a persistent problem, with documented outbreaks occurring repeatedly since 1995.

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He cautioned that the continued violence could undermine the long-standing relationship between Africa’s two biggest economies.