Nigeria has renewed pressure on the South African government to take decisive action against recurring Afrophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals, insisting that perpetrators must be brought to justice and that foreign residents deserve equal protection under the law.
The demand 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 arrived in Nigeria as Special Envoy of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Enikanolaiye said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed that the engagement should provide an opportunity for both countries to discuss the persistent attacks candidly while seeking lasting solutions.
According to him, Nigeria's relationship with South Africa is rooted in decades of solidarity, recalling the country's support for the anti-apartheid struggle and its partnership with South Africa in establishing key continental institutions, including the African Union (AU) and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
Despite these historic ties, he said the repeated attacks on Nigerians remain a source of grave concern.
"Official records show that 98 Nigerians have lost their lives in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022. Nigerians continue to be among the principal victims of what we describe as Afrophobia," the minister stated.
He emphasized that Nigeria does not shield criminals but insisted that allegations of wrongdoing should be handled through the judicial system rather than violent mob action.
"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 noted that many of the victims were lawfully resident in South Africa and lamented reports that some attacks occurred without intervention from security agencies.
He warned that the apparent inability to protect foreign nationals raises serious concerns about their safety and the responsibility of the state.
Recalling previous evacuations of Nigerians from South Africa during earlier outbreaks of xenophobic violence, Enikanolaiye described the experience as one of the most painful moments of his public service.
"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.
He maintained that both President Tinubu and President Ramaphosa remain committed to strengthening cooperation between the two countries and advancing Africa's collective interests through global platforms such as the G20 and BRICS.
However, he cautioned that continued Afrophobic attacks could undermine those shared aspirations unless practical measures are implemented.
Responding, South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said he was in Abuja to deliver a special message from President Ramaphosa to President Tinubu and reaffirm the enduring friendship between both countries.
"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 expressed gratitude to Nigeria for its unwavering support during South Africa's liberation struggle.
"The people of South Africa remain deeply indebted to Nigeria for the sacrifices it made in support of our freedom," he added.
Lamola stressed that the South African government rejects xenophobia and every form of discrimination.
"President Ramaphosa has consistently spoken out against xenophobia, racism, homophobia, violence and all forms of intolerance directed at anyone living within South Africa," he said.
He nevertheless affirmed South Africa's determination to enforce its immigration laws and tackle criminal activities, including drug trafficking, cybercrime and other offences, while respecting the rule of law.
According to him, migration has become a continental challenge requiring greater cooperation among African countries to promote safe, regular and orderly movement of people in line with African Union protocols.
Lamola expressed confidence that the bilateral discussions would deepen understanding between both governments and produce concrete measures to strengthen relations while addressing issues affecting citizens of both countries.