\n\nNigeria and South Africa have agreed to strengthen diplomatic cooperation and reduce growing tensions following a series of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerian citizens and other foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
The agreement was reached during high-level talks held in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola. The meeting was convened after weeks of violence that forced many Nigerians to flee their homes and businesses, reigniting concerns over the safety of foreign nationals living in South Africa.
During the discussions, the Nigerian government expressed deep concern over the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and calling for stronger protection for Nigerians residing in South Africa. Officials also urged the South African government to ensure those responsible for the violence are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
South Africa assured Nigerian authorities that it does not support xenophobic violence and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all lawful residents regardless of nationality. Minister Ronald Lamola stressed that the attacks were not state-sponsored and condemned acts of vigilantism, insisting that criminal allegations against any individual should be handled through the legal system rather than through mob action.
As part of the agreements reached, both countries pledged to lower the temperature of public discourse, improve communication between their governments, and work together to prevent future incidents. Nigeria is also compiling reports and compensation claims from citizens who lost businesses, properties, and other valuables during the attacks. These claims are expected to form part of future discussions between both governments.
The Nigerian delegation further requested improved security measures, including increased police presence in areas where attacks are common, better intelligence sharing, and an early warning system that would help alert authorities before violence escalates.
Relations between Nigeria and South Africa have experienced periodic strain over the years due to repeated xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants, particularly Nigerians. While both countries remain two of Africa’s largest economies and maintain strong diplomatic and economic ties, incidents of violence against foreign nationals have continued to spark public outrage and diplomatic engagements.
Observers believe the latest meeting represents an important step toward rebuilding confidence between both nations while reassuring citizens that both governments are committed to protecting lives and maintaining peaceful bilateral relations.
The two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across trade, security, and regional development, emphasizing that longstanding ties between Nigeria and South Africa should not be undermined by criminal acts or public hostility
