Tinubu Declines Meeting with South African Envoy Over Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians
Tinubu Declines Meeting with South African Envoy Over Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined to grant an audience to a special delegation sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, amid renewed diplomatic tensions over the persistent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The South African delegation, led by the country’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, reportedly arrived in Abuja to deliver a message from President Ramaphosa. However, President Tinubu directed the delegation to meet instead with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, who was tasked with engaging the envoys on Nigeria’s concerns and reporting back to the President.
The development comes amid growing outrage over renewed xenophobic attacks, including reported killings, assaults and destruction of businesses belonging to Nigerians in South Africa. Presidency sources indicated that the decision reflected Nigeria’s dissatisfaction with the continued attacks and the need for stronger commitments from Pretoria before high-level diplomatic engagements could proceed.
During discussions with the visiting delegation, Ambassador Enikanolaiye reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with South Africa but stressed that both countries must work together to end attacks on African migrants. He emphasised that the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa remain a top priority for the Federal Government.
The latest diplomatic move underscores the strain in relations between Africa’s two largest economies as calls intensify for South African authorities to take decisive action against xenophobic violence and ensure justice for affected Nigerians. Analysts believe the outcome of ongoing diplomatic engagements could shape future cooperation between both countries on security, migration and regional integration.
