President Bola Tinubu has declined to meet a South African delegation sent by President Cyril Ramaphosa over ongoing xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, instead directing the team to engage with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
The delegation, led by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja on July 24 seeking an audience with Tinubu. However, Presidency sources said the President opted out of the meeting, instructing officials to handle discussions and brief him afterward.
The move comes as tensions rise between both countries following renewed attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. The violence has forced the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians, with reports indicating nearly 600 recently returned home.
At the meeting in Abuja, Enikanolaiye condemned the recurring attacks, describing them as “Afrophobic” and highlighting a long history of similar incidents. He stressed that while Nigeria does not condone crime, suspects must be treated according to due process, not mob violence.
He also raised concerns about alleged inaction by South African authorities during attacks and the humanitarian toll, recalling past evacuations involving large numbers of distressed Nigerians.
In response, Lamola said his visit was aimed at reaffirming South Africa’s opposition to xenophobia and strengthening diplomatic ties. He maintained that his country would continue enforcing immigration laws but emphasized the need for joint efforts to address migration challenges across Africa.
The diplomatic strain follows months of violence across South African provinces, prompting evacuation flights approved by Tinubu and warnings from Nigerian lawmakers about possible retaliatory measures.
Lamola’s visit is seen as part of efforts to ease tensions ahead of an upcoming African Union summit on conflict prevention in Angola later in August.
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