The Federal Government has summoned Bobby Moroe, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, over recent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in the former apartheid nation.
The meeting, scheduled for Monday at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, is expected to address growing concerns over the safety and treatment of Nigerian citizens abroad.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry, said the engagement is aimed at conveying Nigeria’s position on the disturbing developments.
“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa,” Ebienfa said.
He added that the talks would centre on reported abuses against Nigerians and rising tensions within South Africa.
“Discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.”
The latest diplomatic move comes amid heightened outrage among Nigerians following a resurgence of anti-foreigner violence in South Africa, which has reportedly claimed the lives of at least two Nigerian nationals since last month.
Ebienfa noted that the ministry is closely monitoring the situation and acknowledged the growing frustration among Nigerians over the recurring attacks.
In response to the crisis, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on the South African authorities to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.
Despite the tension, the Federal Government has appealed for calm among Nigerians, assuring citizens of its commitment to their protection.
Ebienfa reiterated that the government remains resolute in safeguarding the rights and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa.
The development also mirrors similar diplomatic action taken by Ghana, which recently summoned Thando Dalamba, South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Ghana, over the same issue.
The recurring xenophobic attacks have continued to strain relations between Nigeria and South Africa, raising fresh concerns about the safety of foreign nationals and the durability of bilateral ties between Africa’s two largest economies.
