Nigeria Prioritizes Diplomacy Amid Afrophobic Attacks

Nigeria is focusing on diplomatic engagement to address the recent Afrophobic attacks against its citizens in South Africa. Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, disclosed this after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his meeting with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who visited Nigeria as a special envoy from President Cyril Ramaphosa.

President Tinubu endorsed this diplomatic approach while emphasizing that Nigeria would consider other options if negotiations fail to ensure the safety of Nigerians. Enikanolaye reported that approximately 1,490 Nigerians have been evacuated due to the attacks, with ongoing efforts to secure resources for further repatriations.

He also mentioned that Nigeria has initiated a claims process for property losses incurred during the violence. The Nigerian government disagrees with South Africa's characterization of the violence, asserting it as Afrophobic rather than xenophobic, and aims to leverage its relationship with South Africa to find a lasting solution.