President Bola Tinubu has declined to meet a special delegation sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over the ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, directing the delegation to hold talks with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
The South African team, led by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, reportedly arrived in Abuja to deliver a message from President Ramaphosa and seek diplomatic engagement over the worsening crisis.
According to Presidency sources, President Tinubu decided not to receive the delegation personally and instead instructed them to discuss the matter with the Foreign Affairs Ministry, with the outcome to be reported back to him.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Enikanolaiye said Tinubu remains committed to finding a lasting solution to the recurring attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. He described the violence as a long-standing pattern that has claimed numerous lives and displaced many Nigerians.
The minister stressed that while Nigeria does not support criminal activities, anyone accused of wrongdoing should face lawful prosecution rather than mob justice. He also expressed concern over reports that security agencies in South Africa had failed to adequately protect victims during some attacks.
Enikanolaiye recalled the emotional evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians whose homes and businesses were destroyed, urging South African authorities to uphold human rights and ensure the safety of all residents regardless of nationality.
In response, Ronald Lamola said President Ramaphosa strongly opposes xenophobia, racism and all forms of intolerance. He reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to protecting everyone within its borders while maintaining that the country has the sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws and tackle criminal activities.
Lamola expressed confidence that continued dialogue between Nigeria and South Africa would help ease diplomatic tensions and strengthen cooperation in addressing migration and security challenges across the continent.
Relations between both countries have deteriorated following renewed xenophobic violence that prompted the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians from South Africa, with Nigerian authorities warning that further diplomatic measures remain under consideration.
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