South Africa's Envoy Addresses Xenophobia Concerns

Mr. Ronald Lamola, the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to address rising anti-migrant sentiments in South Africa. During visits to Ghana and Nigeria, Lamola met with the Ghanaian President and a representative of the Nigerian President, discussing issues including alleged extrajudicial killings.

He referenced a recent incident in Cape Town where a Nigerian national died after swallowing substances to avoid arrest, which some have attributed to extrajudicial killing. Lamola stated that while South Africa takes responsibility where necessary, it is unfair to hold the government accountable for actions unrelated to its responsibilities.

He noted that many South Africans do not share anti-migrant views, as many are married to foreign nationals. Lamola concluded that diplomatic messages have been conveyed effectively, and further engagement between the two heads of state is currently unnecessary.