Xenophobia: South Africa faults Nigeria’s recall of envoys

The South African government has expressed sadness at the recall of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the country over the xenophobic attacks.

It wondered why a sister country like Nigeria would take such an action even when it is clear that the country was taking steps to stop the attacks on sovereign nationals.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation noted that Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, who had just returned from Indonesia to attend the Africa-Asia Summit and the 60th Anniversary of the historic Bandung Conference was not informed of the decision by the Nigerian delegation present.

According to the release, Nigeria did not express an intention “to formally raise the issue” with the South African. The statement, however, stated that “South Africa remains committed to a strong bond of friendship and bilateral relations with Nigeria”.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s two heads of mission in South Africa – Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Martin Cobham and the Consul-General, Ambassador Uche Ajulu-Okekehave – have arrived home ahead of their appearance before the National Assembly.

The duo will, during the week, brief lawmakers on the condition of Nigerians living in South Africa in the wake of the xenophobic attacks.

#SouthAfrica #Xenophobia