Xenophobic Attack: Nigeria Summons SA, Sends Special Envoy; But Anger Boils

By Gideon Njoku

In the face of the Xenophobic attack, in South Africa, of foreigners and their business interests, especially, on Nigerians and their businesses, the Nigerian Government has taken three steps to express its worries.

First, on the instructions of President Muhammadu Buhari, the South African High Commissioner in Nigeria, has been summoned by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister,  Geoffrey Onyema.

Second, Buhari has, also, sent a Special Envoy to Pretoria. The delegation would arrive South Africa on Thursday.

And, thirdly, Buhari will, also, visit South Africa next month.

These steps were revealed in a press statement issued by Presidential Special Adviser on Media and  Publicity, Femi Adesina.

But anger boils over in Nigeria, as not a few Nigerians say the steps are not enough. They are asking for more, and condemning South Africa in the strongest of terms.

Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, described the attack on Nigerians, as despicable and unacceptable, emphasizing that Nigeria would take every step to protect its citizens and their businesses anywhere.

But former Senate President, Dr Ike Ekweremadu, is canvassing for the severance of diplomatic ties with South Africa.

Many Nigerians agree with him, emphasising: “Enough is enough”.

To show their anger, some youths have attacked  a couple of South Africa’s interests across Nigeria, including,  a mall, Shoprite, Lekki, MTN, Stanbic IBTC, but were prevented by the Police. The Police has,  also, as a preemptive measure,  sealed most South African interests in Nigeria to stop any attack against them.

In Lagos, one of the youths protesting the attack on Nigerians, was, allegedly, shot dead, and a Police van, razed.

Following is Adesina’s statement, entitled:

“Xenophobic Attack: President Buhari Dispatches Special Envoy To South Africa”, wherein Buhari, expressed anger.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has noted with deep concern, reported attacks on Nigerian citizens and property in South Africa since August 29, 2019.

Consequently, the President has instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria and get a brief on the situation; express Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of her citizens; and assurance of the safety of their lives and property.

President Buhari has also despatched a Special Envoy to convey to President Cyril Ramaphosa his concerns and also interact with his South African counterpart on the situation.

The Special Envoy is expected to arrive in Pretoria latest Thursday, September 5, 2019.”