South Africa Shuts Its High Commission In Nigeria

By Uche Mbah

Fears of attacks by Nigerians has forced the South African High Commission to be closed down after alleged threats by some faceless Nigerians.

South Africa has been under International Diplomatic angst over the attack and looting of properties belonging to foreigners, most notably Nigerians in an unprecedented Black on Black violence.

The crisis was sparked off when a Tanzanian hoodlum shot and killed a South African, sparking riots and xenophobic attacks. Many South Africans used the opportunities to loot the shops of foreigners, mostly Nigerians, . In some reprisal attacks, Nigerians started attacking South African interests. Prominent among these interests are MTN, the Telecom giant, and Shoprite, a chain of retail shops in Nigeria. There were rumors of threats on the South African High Commission.

A South African broadcaster, ENCA, talked to Lunga Ngqengelele, of South African department of International Relations and co-operation, who said the country is shutting down its office in Nigeria.

“We received reports that some of the people in Nigeria and Zambia have tried to attack some of the businesses belonging to South Africans in their countries.

“Out of safety and of course concerns for the employees of the embassy, a decision was taken that we temporarily shut down while we are assessing the situation and ensure that no one is injured in the process”, he said.

He claimed that they have been in contact with Nigerian government and that he was assured that Nigeria is on top of the situations, but they have no choice but to temporarily shut the High Commission until the situation is clear. The Nigerian Police has claimed they have arrested over a hundred people who were part of those that broke in and looted places like Shoprite.

International media has been reporting the incidence but making it appear that it is violence against whites, since they made sure to interview only whites and Asians.