Nigeria and South Africa Discuss Xenophobic Attacks

A diplomatic meeting took place in Abuja between Nigerian and South African officials following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. The Federal Government of Nigeria condemned the violence, labeling it unacceptable, and urged South African authorities to take immediate action to protect lives and property.

The South African delegation, led by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, arrived without a scheduled meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who directed them to meet with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye. During the meeting, Enikanolaiye conveyed Tinubu's directive to explore solutions to the ongoing Afrophobic attacks.

He expressed disappointment over the persistent violence despite decades of diplomatic cooperation and recalled Nigeria's support for South Africa during its apartheid struggle. Enikanolaiye noted that records indicate a history of attacks against Africans in South Africa.