The federal government has urged the South African government to take decisive steps to prevent further violence against Nigerians and other African nationals in the former apartheid country.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the federal ministry of foreign affairs, told journalists in Abuja on Monday that the call was made during a meeting between Dunoma Ahmed, the ministry’s permanent secretary, and Lesoli Machele, South Africa’s acting high commissioner to Nigeria.
Ebienfa said the meeting was called over the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
According to him, the federal government, through the permanent secretary, expressed concerns over disturbing videos and reports emerging from South Africa, where protesters have reportedly called for foreigners, particularly black immigrants, to leave the country.
“The government of Nigeria is aware of ongoing protests in some parts of South Africa, requesting foreigners, especially blacks, to leave the country,” he said.
“Some of the videos are very disturbing, considering the friendly and cordial relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa.”
He said Nigeria’s high commission in Pretoria and the consulate in Johannesburg are closely monitoring developments and providing regular reports to Abuja.
He added that the federal government also raised concerns about the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, who allegedly died following encounters with South African security agencies.
Ebienfa said the circumstances surrounding their deaths had raised concerns about the conduct of security personnel involved.
“The ministry acknowledged the recent public statements by the president of South Africa and other senior government officials, including the minister of police and national police commissioner, rejecting extrajudicial killings and looting of foreign national properties and underscored the importance of translating this commitment into consistent action on the ground,” he said.
He added that the federal government called for the speedy activation and implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the early warning mechanism between both countries to facilitate rapid information sharing and de-escalation of threats against Nigerians.
“Finally, Nigeria urged the South African government to implement decisive steps to prevent further violence against Nigerians and other African nationals, restore confidence within the Nigerian community, and ensure Nigerians can live in South Africa safely and with dignity,” he said.
Ebienfa said the ministry is also aware of protests staged 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 protecting diplomatic missions and personnel in line with international obligations.
