South Africa, Nigeria diplomatic row deepens over xenophobic attack

By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News

South Africa and Nigeria diplomatic row have deepened as the second largest African nation  described as unfortunate and regrettable, the decision by Nigeria government to recall its ambassador over the attack on Nigerians and other African nations.

South African youths attacked other African nations weeks ago after blaming them for taking their jobs.

Reacting to the Nigeria decision as a means to exploit such a painful episode, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Co-operation points out that “a government resorts to such an extraordinary diplomatic step to express outrage at actions or behaviour of another government.

The statement says South Africa has not blamed Nigeria “for the deaths and more than nine (9) months delay in the repatriation of the bodies of our fallen compatriots” in attacks by Boko Haram militants.

The statement insists that the South African government and citizens have been “decisive and unequivocal in condemning and rejecting the attacks on foreign nationals” and insists that “through our interventions, relative calm and order has been restored”.

On Friday, President Zuma met over 50 leaders of organisations representing foreign nationals in South Africa for talks about how to avert any repeat of the attacks.

Next week, the South African parliament is to be suspended to allow deputies to press the anti-xenophobia message in their home constituencies.

NAIJA CENTER NEWS could recall that the two countries relationship have been hanging over the months when President Zuma went public after seizing a certain amount of money allegedly meant to purchase arms to fight the terrorist group, Boko Hara.

The two countries also crossed path after more than 85 South Africans died in the building collapse of Synagogue of All Nations.

Nigeria has summoned Acting High Commissioner Martin Cobham along with Deputy High Commissioner Uche Ajulu-Okeke. “for consultation” over the “ongoing xenophobia”, Minister of Foreign Affairs Aminu Wali said in a statement carried by media on Saturday.

At least seven people have died over a month of attacks on foreigners and foreign-owned property in South Africa.

Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini has been blamed for sparking the attacks with comments about foreign workers.

Soldiers were deployed to flashpoints last week to prevent more violence.

Some blamed the attacks – which centred on Durban and Johannesburg – on unemployment and poor political leadership.

South Africa, Nigeria diplomatic row deepens over xenophobic attack