FG, South Africa Hold Talks Over Renewed Attacks On Nigerians

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, is holding talks with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.

Lamola is attending the meeting as a special envoy of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, according to Channels Television.

Speaking during the meeting, Enikanolaiye said President Bola Tinubu had directed that the recurring attacks on Nigerians in South Africa be addressed openly and decisively.

The minister urged the South African government to take immediate and concrete steps to stop what Nigeria described as repeated Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.

He warned that the continued violence could strain the longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship between Africa’s two largest economies.

Enikanolaiye also recalled Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle and highlighted the strong historical ties between both countries, including their collaboration in the transition from the Organisation of African Unity to the African Union and their joint efforts in advancing the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.

He expressed concern over the persistent nature of the attacks, noting that incidents of xenophobic violence have been recorded in 1995, 1998, 2006, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2026.

Further details are expected.