Xenophobic attacks: Tinubu snubs Ramaphosa’s envoy

President Bola Tinubu on Monday declined to grant an audience to a special delegation sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Instead, the President directed the delegation, led by South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, to meet with Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

According to Presidency sources, the South African delegation arrived in Abuja on Friday seeking to meet with Tinubu but had not secured a prior appointment. Although they were asked to return on Monday, the President ultimately instructed them to engage with the foreign affairs ministry, with the outcome of the discussions to be reported back to him.

The decision comes amid growing diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks that have targeted Nigerians and other African nationals. The violence has forced the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerians back home.

During the meeting, Ambassador Enikanolaiye said President Tinubu remained committed to finding a lasting solution to the crisis but stressed that the long-standing relationship between both countries should not be overshadowed by repeated attacks on African migrants.

He expressed concern over the recurring violence, noting that similar incidents have occurred over several decades and resulted in the deaths of many Nigerians. While reaffirming Nigeria's opposition to criminal activities, he emphasized that anyone accused of wrongdoing should be prosecuted through the legal system rather than subjected to mob violence or extrajudicial attacks.
Enikanolaiye also recalled Nigeria's historic support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, describing the continued attacks on Nigerians as inconsistent with the friendship both nations have shared over the years.

In response, Ronald Lamola conveyed a message from President Ramaphosa, reaffirming South Africa's condemnation of xenophobia, racism, and all forms of discrimination. He also maintained that South Africa would continue to enforce its immigration laws and combat criminal activities within its borders.

Lamola added that migration remains a continental challenge requiring cooperation between African nations and expressed confidence that continued dialogue between Nigeria and South Africa would help ease tensions and strengthen bilateral relations.