General News
Nigeria, South Africa Set for Fresh Diplomatic Talks Amid Xenophobia Concerns
By Admin
President Bola Tinubu has agreed to receive a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following diplomatic efforts that included a telephone conversation between both leaders over the weekend.
The meeting is expected to hold later on Monday and will involve representatives of both Nigeria and South Africa.
The development comes after Tinubu initially declined to receive the South African delegation led by the country’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola. The delegation arrived in Abuja on July 24 with a message from President Ramaphosa but was unable to secure an audience with the Nigerian leader.
Diplomatic sources said the President’s earlier decision was influenced by concerns over the continued xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa. Odumegwu-Ojukwu was said to have advised against receiving the delegation at the time, citing the persistent attacks on Nigerians, their businesses and properties.
She was also reported to have insisted on progress regarding the Memorandum of Understanding on the Early Warning Mechanism signed by both countries in Abuja on October 22, 2025. The agreement was designed to strengthen cooperation in monitoring security threats, protecting citizens and improving communication on consular matters involving nationals of both countries.
Nigerian officials have expressed concern that South Africa is yet to ratify the agreement, which they believe would help prevent future incidents and support efforts to address the losses suffered by victims of xenophobic violence.
The diplomatic tension comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, including reports of attacks targeting foreign nationals. Nigeria has consistently condemned xenophobic violence and called for stronger continental measures to safeguard Africans living and working across the continent.
At the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Sierra Leone, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, urged African leaders to adopt a united response to xenophobia while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
The planned meeting between President Tinubu and the South African envoy is expected to provide both countries with an opportunity to address the concerns and strengthen bilateral relations.
