The Federal Government has commenced high-level diplomatic engagements with South Africa following a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
The talks, held in Abuja, brought together Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who is visiting Nigeria as a special envoy of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
During the meeting, the Nigerian government expressed grave concern over the recurring attacks on its citizens in South Africa, describing the incidents as unacceptable. It urged the South African authorities to intensify efforts to protect foreign nationals, ensure the prosecution of perpetrators, and prevent further acts of violence.
In response, the South African delegation reaffirmed its government's commitment to combating xenophobia, racism, and all forms of discrimination. Lamola stressed that the attacks do not represent the position of the South African government and assured Nigeria that those responsible would be held accountable.
The renewed diplomatic engagement follows recent anti-immigrant violence in parts of South Africa, which has affected several foreign nationals, including Nigerians, and raised concerns over their safety.
Both countries agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, enhance communication between their governments, and work jointly to preserve their longstanding diplomatic and economic relations while addressing the recurring challenge of xenophobic violence.
