President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly declined to receive a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. The report comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Reports indicate that the South African delegation arrived in Abuja to deliver a message from President Ramaphosa over the recent attacks but was unable to secure a meeting with President Tinubu.
The reported development follows widespread condemnation of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with the Nigerian government repeatedly demanding stronger protection for its citizens living in the country.
Nigeria Has Strongly Condemned Xenophobic Attacks
Before the reported diplomatic development, President Tinubu had publicly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and calling on African leaders to present a united front against xenophobia.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the ECOWAS Summit in Freetown, Tinubu urged African governments to collectively reject attacks targeting fellow Africans, noting that Nigeria had already evacuated more than 1,400 citizens from South Africa.
Diplomatic Relations Under Pressure
The reported refusal to receive the envoy comes against the backdrop of renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.
Relations between Africa’s two largest economies have periodically been strained by repeated xenophobic attacks, despite longstanding diplomatic ties and cooperation between Abuja and Pretoria.
Official Confirmation Awaited
As of the time of this report, neither the Nigerian Presidency nor the South African Presidency had issued a detailed official statement confirming the reported decision not to receive the envoy. The report remains based on media accounts, while Nigeria’s official position against xenophobic attacks has been publicly stated.