The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odimegwu-Ojukwu, is to deliver a strongly-worded note to the acting South African High Commissioner, Bobby Moroe, to Nigeria today to protest against the recent attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the Rainbow nation.
This comes as at least 130 Nigerians have already registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa as the Federal Government moves to safeguard its citizens following anti-foreigner protests in the country.
Demonstrations against illegal immigration have fuelled tensions between locals and foreign nationals, with incidents of rioting and looting threatening the lives of foreigners. The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg last week announced the killing of two Nigerians –Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew – by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) amid rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa.
The Nigerian government protested against their killings, going on to ask President Cyril Ramaphosa to protect Nigerians and other African migrants. Today’s meeting between Odimegwu-Ojukwu and Moroe scheduled for Abuja, will focus on the “mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses”, the ministry said in a statement over the weekend.
It stated that: “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.”
The statement added: “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 ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa “Nevertheless, it implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.”
Meanwhile, OdimegwuOjukwu, in a situation report on the crisis via her X handle yesterday, said the evacuation arrangement was part of broader diplomatic and security measures being coordinated with the Nigerian mission in South Africa.
She also insisted that no Nigerian has been killed contrary to widely circulated media reports that two had been killed. Odimegwu-Ojukwu remarked that: “The President has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens.
Arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home. “So far, 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission.” According to her, the number is expected to increase as more citizens seek assistance to return home.
