Nigeria Emphasizes Diplomacy After Attacks on Citizens

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy in response to attacks on its citizens in South Africa. Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after meeting with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who visited as a special envoy from President Cyril Ramaphosa.

President Tinubu endorsed the diplomatic approach, emphasizing ongoing engagement with South Africa while indicating that Nigeria would consider other options if negotiations fail to ensure the safety of its citizens. Enikanolaye reported that approximately 1,490 Nigerians have been evacuated due to the attacks, with some evacuation efforts funded by private individuals.

He also mentioned that Nigeria is addressing compensation for property losses through a claims process with the South African government. Enikanolaye and President Tinubu agreed that the violence should be characterized as Afrophobic rather than xenophobic, stressing the need for African nations to collaborate to prevent such attacks.