The Nigerian Government has called on South Africa to intensify efforts to end recurring Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals, insisting that victims must receive justice while all lawfully resident foreign nationals are adequately protected.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the appeal in Abuja while receiving South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who visited Nigeria as Special Envoy of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Enikanolaiye said President Bola Tinubu directed that the meeting should provide an opportunity for both countries to engage frankly on the persistent attacks and identify lasting solutions.
He recalled the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, noting Nigeria’s pivotal role in the anti-apartheid struggle and its continued partnership with South Africa in advancing African integration through institutions such as the African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
Despite these strong ties, the minister expressed concern that Nigerians and other African nationals continue to face violent attacks in South Africa.
According to him, official records indicate that scores of Nigerians have lost their lives in mob and hate-related attacks in recent years, with Nigerians remaining among the principal victims of what Nigeria describes as Afrophobia.
He stressed that while Nigeria does not condone criminality, anyone accused of committing an offence should be prosecuted through the courts rather than subjected to mob justice.
“We will never support drug trafficking or any criminal conduct. However, anyone accused of committing an offence must be prosecuted in accordance with South Africa’s Constitution, the rule of law and international human rights obligations,” he said.
Enikanolaiye also expressed concern that many victims were lawful residents of South Africa and noted reports that some attacks occurred without timely intervention by security agencies.
Recalling previous evacuations of Nigerians during outbreaks of xenophobic violence, he described the experience as one of the most emotional moments of his public service.
“I shed tears when I welcomed the first batch of evacuees. Children, women and elderly people returned home with virtually nothing after losing their homes and businesses. That is not the Africa we are striving to build,” he said.
The minister noted that Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa remain committed to strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa and promoting Africa’s interests through global platforms such as the G20 and BRICS. He cautioned, however, that continued attacks on foreign nationals could undermine those shared aspirations.
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Responding, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said he was in Abuja to deliver a special message from President Ramaphosa to President Tinubu and reaffirm the enduring friendship between the two countries.
“I bring warm greetings from President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, who has sent me as his Special Envoy to deliver a message to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Our visit is intended to reaffirm the historic friendship and solidarity that enabled South Africa to overcome apartheid,” Lamola said.
He thanked Nigeria for its unwavering support during South Africa’s liberation struggle, describing the country’s contribution as invaluable.
“The people of South Africa remain deeply indebted to Nigeria for the sacrifices it made in support of our freedom,” he added.
Lamola reiterated that the South African government rejects xenophobia, racism and all forms of discrimination, noting that President Ramaphosa has consistently condemned violence and intolerance against anyone living in South Africa.
He added that while South Africa remains committed to enforcing its immigration laws and combating crimes such as drug trafficking and cybercrime, it would do so within the framework of the rule of law.
Describing migration as a continental challenge, Lamola called for greater cooperation among African countries to promote safe, orderly and regular migration in line with African Union protocols.
He expressed confidence that the discussions in Abuja would further strengthen bilateral relations and produce practical measures to address issues affecting the citizens of both countries.
