The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally invited Bobby Moroe, the Acting South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, to a meeting following a surge in xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the diplomatic meeting is set to take place this coming Monday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa,” Ebienfa stated.
The discussions are expected to address the wave of anti-foreigner demonstrations across South Africa and the targeted mistreatment of Nigerians and their commercial interests.
“Discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses,” the statement added.
The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions, with reports confirming that at least two Nigerians have lost their lives since the current wave of violence began last month. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has already called on South African authorities to ensure the prosecution of those responsible for these attacks.
Ebienfa acknowledged the “growing discontent” among the Nigerian public regarding the safety of their fellow citizens abroad but appealed for calm. He emphasized that the government remains fully committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of Nigerians living in South Africa.
The situation has drawn a wider regional response, as Ghana has similarly summoned South Africa’s acting envoy, Thando Dalamba, to voice its concerns over the ongoing crisis.
