Xenophobia: Senate threatens diplomatic action against South Africa, orders fresh probe

Nigeria's Senate has issued a stern warning to South Africa, threatening to review diplomatic relations if xenophobic attacks against Nigerians persist. The lawmakers condemned the reported targeting of Nigerian citizens and businesses, particularly a June 30 ultimatum allegedly issued to Nigerians residing in South Africa, which they described as a grave threat.

The renewed concerns come amid a history of xenophobic violence in South Africa that has claimed Nigerian lives, destroyed businesses, and repeatedly strained diplomatic ties between the two nations. During the plenary session, senators urged the Nigerian Federal Government to secure firm assurances from South African authorities for the protection of its citizens and to engage in decisive diplomatic dialogue to prevent future occurrences.

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We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted.

Senator Salihu Mustapha advocated for a tougher stance, stating, "We cannot continue to fold our arms while Nigerians are being killed and their businesses looted." He suggested severing all diplomatic relations as a starting point for robust engagement. However, the Senate adopted a more cautious approach after former Senate Leader Yahaya Abdullahi suggested the attacks might be part of a broader political strategy to destabilize the South African government and undermine the ruling African National Congress.

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This is the starting point for a very robust engagement. I suggest we sever all diplomatic relations with South Africa.

Abdullahi recalled his involvement with Nigeria’s anti-apartheid movement and support for liberation groups, arguing that the situation should not be viewed in isolation. He warned of a conspiracy involving right-wing white South Africans and emerging black factions aiming to delegitimize the government. The lawmaker also highlighted the inadequate funding of Nigeria’s foreign missions, which he said weakens the country's capacity to protect its citizens abroad.

Following extensive deliberations, the Senate resolved to direct the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, to obtain written assurances of safety for Nigerians. They also demanded the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators and urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage in decisive diplomatic action.

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This is a coordinated effort to destabilise the government of South Africa and to remove the ruling party, the ANC, from office. There is an attempt from the right wing of the white South Africans and now coming up from the black ones to delegitimise the government as quickly as possible. We should tread with great caution and carefully consider this conspiracy.