The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has announced that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is considering retaliatory measures against South Africa. This decision comes in response to what she described as South Africa's complacency and apathetic handling of violent xenophobic attacks, which have made several parts of the country volatile for Nigerians and other African foreigners.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that the South African government is not doing enough to address the decades-long issue of xenophobia. She emphasized that while the matter is under consideration, any final decision rests with the legislature. The minister added that such a decision would be taken at the highest level of government and remains on the table.
Nigeria's Displeasure and Historical Context
The minister expressed Nigeria's unhappiness with South Africa, particularly in light of the latest wave of xenophobic violence that resulted in the deaths of two Nigerians: Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew. According to a report from the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg in April, the victims were attacked and beaten by officials of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth.
Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted that Nigerians in South Africa continue to be victimized despite the significant sacrifices Nigeria made for the country during the apartheid era. Between the 1960s and 1990s, Nigeria provided financial, military, diplomatic, and humanitarian support to South Africa's struggle for independence. She noted that Nigeria committed substantial funds and resources to aid South Africa.
False Claims and Ongoing Violence
The minister also refuted claims by the South African government that the violence is only directed at illegal immigrants. She stated that many Nigerians with valid legal status have become victims of the growing violence, with their shops, homes, and businesses looted or destroyed. She categorically described the claim as absolutely untrue, emphasizing that citizens are being harassed and their properties looted through criminal actions.
Her statement comes days after the Nigerian police warned citizens against retaliatory attacks on South African interests in Nigeria. Additionally, the Nigerian government is preparing to repatriate around 1,000 Nigerians from South Africa. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed on Monday that the government plans to deploy aircraft to bring the evacuees back after an ongoing verification exercise is completed. The state will cover the cost of their return flights.
Repatriation Efforts
The repatriation, initially scheduled for Monday, was postponed to Wednesday due to unforeseen logistical considerations. The screening timeline has also been extended to accommodate more Nigerians. Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed that preparations for the exercise remain on course, and citizens imperiled by the violence will have the opportunity to board the aircraft and return to their country.
