Nigeria and South Africa Discuss Xenophobic Attacks

Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, is currently engaged in discussions with Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, over recent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa. Lamola is attending the meeting as a special envoy of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Enikanolaiye stated that President Bola Tinubu has instructed that the recurring attacks on Nigerians be addressed directly and effectively. He urged South African authorities to implement immediate and practical measures to stop what Nigeria has termed Afrophobic attacks against its citizens and other African nationals.

Enikanolaiye warned that ongoing violence could jeopardize the historically strong relationship between Nigeria and South Africa. He also recalled Nigeria's support for South Africa during its apartheid struggle and their collaborative efforts in the transition from the Organisation of African Unity to the African Union.

Enikanolaiye expressed concern over the history of xenophobic violence, noting incidents dating back to 1995 and occurring in various years since.