Nigeria has reportedly refused to receive a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, marking a sharp escalation in diplomatic tensions over persistent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The South African delegation, led by International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja with a message for President Bola Tinubu. However, Nigerian officials reportedly declined the meeting, arguing that the continued attacks on Nigerians and their businesses made it inappropriate to proceed without meaningful action from Pretoria.
The decision came shortly after the death of a Nigerian, Chika Ibe, in Cape Town during a police operation. Members of the Nigerian community alleged that he was tortured and fatally assaulted by South African police, while South African authorities said he became ill during his arrest. An official investigation has since been launched.
Nigeria is also demanding that South Africa ratify the Early Warning Mechanism agreement signed by both countries in 2025. The framework is intended to improve cooperation in preventing violence, protecting citizens, and responding swiftly to security threats, including xenophobic attacks.
Officials believe the agreement would strengthen protection for Nigerians living in South Africa and improve accountability in cases involving attacks on foreign nationals.
At the recent ECOWAS summit, Vice President Kashim Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s condemnation of xenophobic violence and pledged to push for stronger African Union measures to safeguard Africans living across the continent.
The latest diplomatic row highlights growing frustration in Abuja over repeated attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and raises fresh questions about bilateral relations between Africa’s two biggest economies.
