Nigeria Tells South Africa To Stop Afrophobic Attacks On Nigerians, Demands Justice For Victims

The Nigerian Government has urged South Africa to take urgent and decisive action to end recurring Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals, warning that the violence is threatening the unity Africa is working to build.

The call was made on Monday in Abuja by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, during a meeting with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who visited as Special Envoy of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Enikanolaiye said President Bola Tinubu directed the engagement to allow both countries to speak frankly and find lasting solutions to the attacks.

He reminded South Africa of Nigeria’s historic support during the anti-apartheid struggle, and the two countries’ joint work in the AU, NEPAD, G20 and BRICS.

Despite that partnership, he said Nigerians continue to be victims of mob and hate-related violence.

“Official records indicate that scores of Nigerians have lost their lives in mob and hate-related attacks in recent years, with Nigerians remaining among the principal victims of what Nigeria describes as Afrophobia,” the minister stated.

He stressed that Nigeria does not support crime, but insisted on due process.

“We will never support drug trafficking or any criminal conduct. However, anyone accused of committing an offence must be prosecuted in accordance with South Africa’s Constitution, the rule of law and international human rights obligations,” Enikanolaiye said.

The minister expressed concern that many of those attacked were lawfully resident in South Africa, and that security agencies were often slow to intervene.

Recalling Nigeria’s previous evacuations of citizens during xenophobic outbreaks, he described the scenes as painful.

“I shed tears when I welcomed the first batch of evacuees. Children, women and elderly people returned home with virtually nothing after losing their homes and businesses. That is not the Africa we are striving to build,” he said.

Enikanolaiye cautioned that continued attacks could undermine the cooperation both presidents are pushing for in global forums.

Responding, Minister Lamola said he delivered a special message from President Ramaphosa to President Tinubu, aimed at reaffirming the “historic friendship and solidarity” between both nations.

“I bring warm greetings from President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, who has sent me as his Special Envoy to deliver a message to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Our visit is intended to reaffirm the historic friendship and solidarity that enabled South Africa to overcome apartheid,” Lamola said.

He thanked Nigeria for its role in South Africa’s liberation.

“The people of South Africa remain deeply indebted to Nigeria for the sacrifices it made in support of our freedom.”

Lamola said South Africa rejects xenophobia, racism and all forms of discrimination, and that President Ramaphosa has consistently condemned violence against foreigners.

He added that while South Africa will enforce immigration laws and fight crimes like drug trafficking and cybercrime, it will do so within the rule of law.

Describing migration as a continental issue, he called for more African cooperation on “safe, orderly and regular migration” in line with AU protocols.

“I am confident that the discussions in Abuja will further strengthen bilateral relations and produce practical measures to address issues affecting the citizens of both countries,” he said.

Both ministers agreed to deepen engagement to protect foreign nationals and advance Africa’s shared interests.