Xenophobia: Presidency Receives SA Govt Apology, Reassurance
…As Nigeria Sets To Evacuate Her Citizens By olabisi Olaleye
The South African government has tendered its apology to her Nigerian counterpart over the recent xenophobic attacks by its citizens against other Africans including Nigerians.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa concurred that the violence was most disconcerting and embarrassing, and that his government completely rejects such acts, which undermine not only the country’s image but also its relations with brotherly African countries.
He further reaffirmed his stand against criminality and committed to do everything possible to protect the rights of every Nigerian and other foreign nationals in the country.
This is coming on the heels of the report of the special envoy on the deep concern of President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians about intermittent violence against Nigerians and their property/business interests in South Africa.
The President stressed the need for South African Government to take visible measures to stop violence against citizens of brotherly African nations, saying , “The recurring issue of xenophobia could negatively affect the image and standing of South Africa as one of the leading countries on the continent, if nothing is done to stop it.
“The Nigerian Government will guarantee the safety of lives, property and business interests of South Africans in Nigeria”.
President Buhari has given instruction for the immediate voluntary evacuation of all Nigerians who are willing to return home. And has taken note of the report and instructed the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs to continue to engage with appropriate Authorities on the concrete measure the South African Government is expected to take.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari sent Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (DGNIA) as his Special Envoy to South Africa, to convey a Special Message to his counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Special Envoy, who was in Pretoria from Thursday, 5th to Saturday, 7th September 2019.
The Special Envoy brainstormed with the South African counterpart, where they reviewed the situation of foreign emigrants in general and Nigerians in particular. They agreed to work together to find a permanent solution to the root causes of the recurring attacks on Nigerians and their property.
