The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally summoned Bobby Moroe, the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, to address the escalating wave of xenophobic violence targeting Nigerian citizens in South Africa.
The meeting, scheduled for Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja, follows a series of violent demonstrations and targeted attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses and individuals.
Diplomatic Intervention
In a statement released Saturday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the engagement aims to officially register Nigeria's "profound concern" regarding the situation.
“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa,” Ebienfa stated.
The discussions are expected to focus on:
Documented Mistreatment: Addressing specific instances of physical abuse and harassment of Nigerian nationals.
Economic Impact: Reviewing the systematic attacks on Nigerian businesses and property.
Security Concerns: Evaluating the ongoing anti-foreigner demonstrations currently destabilizing various South African regions.
Rising Tensions and Casualties
The diplomatic friction comes amid a deteriorating security situation. At least two Nigerians have been killed since anti-foreigner sentiments intensified last month.
In response, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has issued an urgent call to the South African government, demanding the immediate prosecution of those responsible for the violence to deter further escalations.
Call for Calm
Despite the gravity of the situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the Nigerian public to maintain order and avoid retaliatory actions. Ebienfa reaffirmed the administration's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad through diplomatic channels.
Nigeria is not the only West African nation to take formal action; Ghana recently summoned Thando Dalamba, South Africa’s acting envoy in Accra, signaling a growing regional consensus for South Africa to address the underlying causes of the recurring violence.