FG calls for strict action from South Africa over attacks on Nigerians

Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimibi Abianfa told journalists in Abuja on Monday that the call was made during a meeting between the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, and South Africa's Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele.

Abianfa said the meeting was called in response to recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.

According to him, the Federal Government, through the Permanent Secretary, expressed concern over the disturbing videos and reports emerging from South Africa where protesters have reportedly called on foreigners, especially black immigrants, to leave the country.

“The Nigerian government is aware of the ongoing protests in parts of South Africa, urging foreigners, especially blacks, to leave the country,” he said.

“Given the friendly and cordial relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa, some of the videos are deeply disturbing.”

He said Nigeria's High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate in Johannesburg were closely monitoring developments and providing regular reports to Abuja.

He said the federal government also expressed concern over the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, who were reportedly killed after a shootout with South African security agencies.

Abianfa said the circumstances surrounding his death have raised concerns about the conduct of the security personnel involved.

“The Ministry acknowledged recent public statements by the President of South Africa and other senior government officials, including the Minister of Police and the National Police Commissioner, rejecting extrajudicial killings and the looting of foreign national assets and underscoring the importance of translating this commitment into sustained action on the ground,” he said.

He said the Federal Government called for the early activation and implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Early Warning Mechanism between the two countries to facilitate faster information sharing and mitigation of threats against Nigerians.

“Ultimately, Nigeria urges the South African government to take decisive action to prevent further violence against Nigerians and other African citizens, restore confidence within the Nigerian community and ensure that Nigerians can live safely and with dignity in South Africa,” he said.

Abienfa said the ministry was also aware of the protest by a small group of Nigerians at the South African High Commission in Abuja on Friday, but appealed for calm.

He said the Permanent Secretary assured the South African Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria's commitment to the protection of diplomatic missions and personnel in line with international obligations.