FG Urges South Africa to Prosecute Perpetrators of Attacks on Nigerians

The Federal Government has called on South Africa to take decisive action against recurring attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals, insisting that those responsible must be identified and brought to justice.

The appeal was made on Monday in Abuja during a meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who visited Nigeria as Special Envoy of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Lamola delivered a message from President Ramaphosa to President Bola Tinubu, reaffirming the longstanding diplomatic and historical ties between both countries.

During the talks, Enikanolaiye acknowledged Nigeria’s role in supporting South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, as well as its contributions to the establishment of the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

Despite the strong bilateral relationship, the minister expressed concern over the continued attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa. He disclosed that 98 Nigerians have been killed in mob and hate-related incidents since 2022, describing the trend as “Afrophobia.”

“Nigerians have continued to be among the principal victims of what we describe as Afrophobia. We will never support drug trafficking or any criminal conduct,” Enikanolaiye said.

He stressed, however, that anyone accused of committing a crime should be prosecuted in line with South Africa’s Constitution, the rule of law and international human rights standards, rather than being subjected to mob violence.

Enikanolaiye further urged the South African government to strengthen measures to protect all foreign residents, noting that every individual is entitled to equal protection under international law. He added that the recurring attacks on foreign nationals raise serious concerns about public safety and the state’s responsibility to safeguard everyone within its borders.