ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria and South Africa are strengthening diplomatic efforts to ease tensions after recent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants in South Africa, with both governments pledging closer cooperation to improve security and prevent further violence.
The renewed engagement follows talks in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola. The discussions centered on restoring confidence after attacks forced many foreign nationals to flee their homes and businesses.
Lamola reiterated that South Africa condemns xenophobia and said the attacks do not reflect government policy. He pledged that those responsible would be investigated and prosecuted while authorities continue to strengthen security measures.
Nigeria welcomed the assurances but urged Pretoria to match its promises with action. Enikanolaiye said repeated attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants have strained relations between Africa’s two biggest economies and emphasized that criminal suspects should face the courts, not mob violence.
Nigeria has evacuated about one thousand four hundred and ninety citizens from South Africa through voluntary repatriation flights and is documenting claims from those whose homes and businesses were damaged during the unrest.
The latest violence has once again tested relations between the two countries, whose partnership has long been central to African diplomacy, trade and regional development. However, repeated xenophobic attacks have periodically overshadowed that cooperation.
South Africa has witnessed major waves of anti-immigrant violence since two thousand and eight, when attacks killed more than sixty people and displaced thousands. Similar incidents in two thousand fifteen and two thousand nineteen prompted diplomatic protests from Nigeria and condemnation across Africa. Analysts say unemployment, inequality and pressure on public services have fueled anti-immigrant sentiment, although there is little evidence linking migrants to many of the country’s economic problems.
President Bola Tinubu has called on African leaders to unite against attacks on fellow Africans, warning that such violence threatens regional integration. The African Union has also continued discussions on migration and the protection of migrants across the continent.
Analysts say diplomacy alone will not solve the problem. They argue that stronger law enforcement, faster prosecution of offenders and sustained public education are essential to tackling the root causes of xenophobia. They also warn that continued violence could undermine investment, tourism and labour mobility under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Public reaction has been cautious. Many Nigerians say they welcome the renewed diplomatic engagement but want stronger guarantees for the safety of citizens living in South Africa. South African civil society groups have also urged tougher action against hate crimes while calling for broader efforts to address unemployment and social inequality.
