Fani-Kayode Raises Fresh Concerns Over Xenophobic Attacks, Urges South Africa to Protect Nigerians
Fani-Kayode Raises Fresh Concerns Over Xenophobic Attacks, Urges South Africa to Protect Nigerians
…Says Nigeria-South Africa Relations Must Be Preserved Through Dialogue, Mutual Respect
Former Minister of Aviation and Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has renewed his call for stronger diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa, urging the South African Government to take decisive action against recurring xenophobic attacks on African nationals while preserving the historic relationship between the continent’s two largest economies.
In the second part of his opinion article titled “A Bond That Must Never Be Broken,” Fani-Kayode expressed concern over what he described as escalating hostility towards Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, warning that inflammatory rhetoric from public officials could further strain bilateral relations.
The former minister was reacting to comments reportedly made by South African presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya, who accused Nigeria and Ghana of spreading misinformation and attempting to tarnish South Africa’s image over recent xenophobic incidents.
Fani-Kayode rejected the allegation, insisting that concerns raised by Nigeria, Ghana and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were based on documented incidents of violence against African migrants rather than fabricated claims.
He recalled previous waves of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, including those recorded in 1995, 1998, 2000, 2008, 2015, 2019 and 2024, arguing that the repeated outbreaks point to a persistent challenge that requires urgent attention.
According to him, the violence has resulted in deaths, displacement and destruction of businesses belonging to African nationals, including Nigerians, adding that the South African Government should acknowledge the problem and take concrete measures to address it.
Fani-Kayode also cited reports indicating that thousands of African migrants had recently fled their homes amid renewed attacks, while many Nigerians reportedly sought refuge at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria before being evacuated by the Federal Government.
He maintained that such developments underscore the need for stronger protection of foreign nationals residing in South Africa.
The former minister further criticised remarks attributed to South African officials warning of possible economic consequences if Nigeria or Ghana adopted retaliatory measures against South African businesses operating within their territories.
He argued that the priority should be protecting lives and rebuilding confidence rather than issuing warnings that could further escalate diplomatic tensions.
“Our concern is the safety and welfare of our citizens. Respectful dialogue remains the best path to resolving these issues,” he stated.
Fani-Kayode also expressed disappointment over the reported refusal of South African officials to apologise for controversial comments previously made about Nigerians, describing such responses as unhelpful to ongoing diplomatic efforts.
While acknowledging that some Nigerians may have engaged in criminal activities abroad, he cautioned against stereotyping an entire nationality based on the actions of a few individuals.
He argued that just as criminal acts committed by some South Africans do not justify labelling all South Africans as criminals, isolated offences committed by some Nigerians should not be used to stigmatise an entire community.
The former minister highlighted the extensive economic ties between the two countries, noting that more than 120 South African companies currently operate in Nigeria, contributing significantly to bilateral trade and investment.
He cited telecommunications giant MTN and other major South African firms, including MultiChoice, DStv, GOtv, Showmax, Shoprite, Standard Bank and Stanbic IBTC, as examples of businesses that have benefited from Nigeria’s investment-friendly environment.
According to him, the success of these companies demonstrates the value of Pan-African economic cooperation and reinforces the need to preserve cordial relations between both countries.
Fani-Kayode stressed that Nigeria has consistently welcomed South African investments and nationals without discrimination, urging South African authorities to ensure Nigerians receive similar treatment.
He concluded by calling for constructive engagement, mutual respect and stronger diplomatic cooperation, insisting that the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and South Africa remains essential to Africa’s unity, economic integration and future development.
By TimesNG