Following consistent attacks on Nigerian citizens in South Africa in recent times, experts in international affairs , Prof Adeolu Durotoye and Dr Ajinde Oluwasakin , have blamed the federal government for failing to carry out a review of the country’s foreign policy in the last 30 years.
They declared that the ongoing review of the country’s foreign policy by President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, will rectify the racial attacks and correct the injustices being meted out to Nigerians living abroad.
The Dons asserted that Nigerian nationals have become subjects of attacks in South Africa over struggle for economic resources, describing the scenario as a true reflection of increasing crime rates in African continent.
The duo spoke on Wednesday during a programme tagged : ‘Hard Talk on Africa and the Tragedy of Xenophobia ‘organised by the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Afe Babalola University , Ado Ekiti.
Durotoye, Provost, College of Social and Management Sciences, said Nigerian government’s failure to put a halt to the situation was caused by the country’s weak foreign policy.
Reeling out why Nigeria didn’t deserve such ill-treatment, Durotoye said: “Nigeria was a frontline state in anti apartheid struggle, and was also at the forefront of the suspension of Apartheid South Africa from commonwealth and led the UN anti-apartheid committee on several occasions. Many liberation activists like Thambo Mbeki, were offered asylum in Nigeria.
“When Nelson Mandela was released from prison, Nigeria was the first country that hosted him. The above trajectory showed how much Nigeria took up the cross of fighting apartheid to a point of extinction even at the expense of her economic interest”.
Oluwasakin, who is the Head of Department of International Relations and Diplomacy in ABUAD, submitted that late appointments of ambassadors by President Buhari must have had negative effect on the country’s economic and commercial relations with other nations.
He condemned the xenophobic attacks , describing it as the highest level of racial discrimination.
“South Africa must ensure that they teach their citizens about the roles played by Nigeria in the liberation struggle, I believe this will minimize the hatred.
But I won’t support the idea that the assailants should be listed as terrorist group . They are legitimate citizens who were only displaying ignorance.”
The Diplomat expressed delight in the review of the country’s foreign policy, 30 years after such policy was effected.
“Reviewing our foreign policy to embrace the concept of citizens’ diplomacy will help in the protection of the welfare and security of our citizens wherever they may be. This is a good development that will fortify our diplomatic ties.”
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