South African delegation led by Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola expected to meet Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly declined to meet a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa amid renewed concerns over alleged xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
According to reports by Arise News, Presidency sources familiar with the discussions said the South African delegation arrived in Abuja on Friday carrying a message from President Ramaphosa and had sought a meeting with President Tinubu.
The delegation is led by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola.
However, the Nigerian President is reportedly not expected to receive the delegation personally.
Instead, the South African officials are expected to meet with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, as discussions continue between both countries.
The development comes at a sensitive time in Nigeria-South Africa relations following renewed reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in South Africa.
Nigeria has continued to raise concerns over the safety of its citizens in South Africa and has called on the South African authorities to take stronger steps to protect Nigerians and ensure that those responsible for attacks are held accountable.
The reported decision by President Tinubu not to meet the South African envoy could therefore be seen as a significant diplomatic signal, particularly as Abuja seeks stronger assurances from Pretoria over the protection of Nigerians.
The South African delegation’s reported request for a meeting with President Tinubu without prior notice is also said to have contributed to the decision for the delegation to engage with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs instead.
The meeting with Nigeria’s foreign affairs officials is expected to provide an opportunity for the South African government to communicate President Ramaphosa’s position and discuss the concerns currently affecting relations between both countries.
Nigeria and South Africa remain two of Africa’s most influential countries, with strong economic, political and diplomatic links. However, relations between both countries have repeatedly faced tension over attacks on Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.
For Nigeria, the protection of its citizens abroad remains a major diplomatic concern, particularly where allegations of xenophobia and violence are involved.
The latest development is therefore being closely watched as the two governments attempt to manage the renewed tension.
IBN News reported that it contacted Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, for comments on the development.
Neither official had responded as of the time of the report.
The circumstances surrounding the President’s reported decision not to meet the envoy, as well as the specific message being delivered by President Ramaphosa, remain subject to official clarification.
IBN News will continue to monitor the diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Pretoria and provide updates as more information becomes available.
