Nigeria pressed South Africa to take stronger action against xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians and other African migrants, warning that the violence is damaging bilateral relations. During talks in Abuja, Nigerian officials said President Bola Tinubu ordered the meeting following repeated attacks that have forced the evacuation of at least 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa. Abuja said at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in xenophobic incidents since 2022 and questioned whether inadequate police intervention amounts to state complicity. South African officials, led by International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, rejected the suggestion, reaffirming President Cyril Ramaphosa’s opposition to xenophobia, racism, and discrimination. Nigeria acknowledged that citizens accused of crimes should face prosecution but stressed that mob violence is unacceptable.
CNBC Africa