President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has agreed to receive a special envoy from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following a direct telephone conversation between the two leaders, days after initially declining the delegation over renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
President Bola Tinubu has softened his earlier stance and agreed to meet the South African delegation led by the country’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.
The development follows diplomatic engagements between Abuja and Pretoria, including a phone call initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa after Nigeria expressed outrage over the continued attacks on Nigerians and their businesses in South Africa.
Earlier Refusal Triggered Diplomatic Tension
Tinubu had initially declined to receive the South African envoy, with diplomatic sources indicating that Nigeria wanted stronger commitments from Pretoria over the protection of Nigerians and implementation of bilateral agreements aimed at preventing xenophobic violence.
According to reports, the South African delegation had remained in Abuja while efforts continued behind the scenes to resolve the diplomatic impasse.
Ramaphosa’s Call Changed the Situation
Sources familiar with the discussions said Ramaphosa personally reached out to Tinubu over the weekend, after which the Nigerian President agreed to receive the delegation.
The meeting is expected to focus on the renewed xenophobic attacks, the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa and measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Nigeria Maintains Firm Position
Despite agreeing to the meeting, Nigeria has continued to condemn attacks on its citizens, insisting that South Africa must take concrete steps to protect foreign nationals and hold perpetrators accountable.
The diplomatic engagement is seen as part of efforts to prevent further deterioration in relations between Africa’s two largest economies.