The Nigerian government has summoned South Africa’s acting high commissioner to Nigeria to explain reasons behind the reported attacks against foreigners, especially Nigerians and their businesses in the country.
A statement issued yesterday by the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the South African envoy is expected to appear at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
The objective of this engagement, the statement said, is to formally convey the Nigerian government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
“Discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.
“The ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa. Nevertheless, it implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the federal government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa,” the statement said.
South Africa is notorious for xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreigners mostly fellow Africans by gangs of reckless youths over the years and analysts are disturbed that the South African government has not been able to stop this.
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