The federal government has urged the South African government to take decisive steps to prevent further violence against Nigerians and other African nationals in the former apartheid country.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the federal ministry of
foreign affairs, told journalists in Abuja on Monday that the call was made
during a meeting between Dunoma Ahmed, the ministry’s permanent secretary, and
Lesoli Machele, South Africa’s acting high commissioner to Nigeria.
Ebienfa said the meeting was called over the recent
xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
According to him, the federal government, through the
permanent secretary, expressed concerns over disturbing videos and reports
emerging from South Africa, where protesters have reportedly called for
foreigners, particularly black immigrants, to leave the country.
“The government of Nigeria is aware of ongoing protests in
some parts of South Africa, requesting foreigners, especially blacks, to leave
the country,” he said.
“Some of the videos are very disturbing, considering the
friendly and cordial relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the
Republic of South Africa.”
He said Nigeria’s high commission in Pretoria and the
consulate in Johannesburg are closely monitoring developments and providing
regular reports to Abuja.
He added that the federal government also raised concerns
about the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, who
allegedly died following encounters with South African security agencies.
Ebienfa said the circumstances surrounding their deaths had
raised concerns about the conduct of security personnel involved.
“The ministry acknowledged the recent public statements by
the president of South Africa and other senior government officials, including
the minister of police and national police commissioner, rejecting
extrajudicial killings and looting of foreign national properties and
underscored the importance of translating this commitment into consistent
action on the ground,” he said.
He added that the federal government called for the speedy
activation and implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the
early warning mechanism between both countries to facilitate rapid information
sharing and de-escalation of threats against Nigerians.
“Finally, Nigeria urged the South African government to
implement decisive steps to prevent further violence against Nigerians and
other African nationals, restore confidence within the Nigerian community, and
ensure Nigerians can live in South Africa safely and with dignity,” he said.
Ebienfa said the ministry is also aware of protests staged
by a small group of Nigerians at the South African high commission in Abuja on
Friday but appealed for calm.
He said the permanent secretary assured the South African
acting high commissioner of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting diplomatic
missions and personnel in line with international obligations.
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