Nigeria, South Africa Must Preserve Historic Bond, Says Fani-Kayode
…Former Minister Condemns Xenophobic Attacks, Urges Stronger Pan-African Solidarity
Former Minister of Aviation and Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has called for stronger ties between Nigeria and South Africa, warning that any deterioration in relations between Africa’s two largest economies would undermine the continent’s quest for unity, development and self-determination.
In the first part of an opinion article titled “A Bond That Must Never Be Broken,” Fani-Kayode argued that the historical, political and economic relationship between the two countries remains indispensable to Africa’s future, despite recent tensions arising from xenophobic attacks and the treatment of Nigerians living in South Africa.
The former minister recalled comments attributed to former South African apartheid President P.W. Botha, who questioned the capacity of black Africans to govern themselves, describing such views as racist and dehumanising.
According to him, African nations have a collective responsibility to reject such narratives by demonstrating good governance, unity and mutual cooperation.
“We must not only get it right, but we must also work closely together in the spirit of Pan-Africanism and solidarity,” he wrote, warning that persistent conflicts among Africans could reinforce racist stereotypes about the continent.
Using a symbolic analogy, Fani-Kayode described Nigeria and South Africa as the “trigger” and the “mouth” of a pistol on the map of Africa, arguing that both countries must work together if the continent is to realise its economic and political potential.
“Without a successful and productive collaboration between her two largest, most powerful and most towering economies, Africa is not going anywhere,” he stated.
While advocating closer cooperation, Fani-Kayode stressed that genuine friendship requires frank engagement whenever disagreements arise.
He said both countries must be willing to address difficult issues openly in order to strengthen their long-standing relationship, which he described as one “forged in fire and blood” during the struggle against apartheid.
A significant portion of the article focused on recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Fani-Kayode criticised reported comments by South African Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, regarding compensation for Nigerians who allegedly lost businesses and property during attacks, describing the remarks as “disrespectful and disappointing.”
He argued that broad characterisations linking Nigerians to criminality were capable of further endangering innocent citizens living in South Africa.
The former minister cited figures attributed to Nigerian Embassy officials in Pretoria, claiming that six Nigerians had been killed in South Africa this year, while 98 had reportedly lost their lives between 2022 and 2026.
He further alleged that many Nigerians had been displaced from their homes and businesses amid recurring xenophobic violence.
Fani-Kayode welcomed the Nigerian Government’s diplomatic response through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting that the ministry had condemned both the killings and the reported public remarks made by South African officials.
He also referenced concerns raised by Senator Shehu Sani over the comments, saying they reflected widespread anxiety among Nigerians.
Despite the tensions, Fani-Kayode commended South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Roland Lamola, for what he described as his respectful engagement with Nigeria.
He urged both countries to preserve their historic partnership while ensuring that the lives, dignity and rights of Nigerians living in South Africa are adequately protected.
Fani-Kayode said the article forms the first instalment of a series examining the future of Nigeria-South Africa relations, maintaining that the enduring partnership between the two countries remains vital to Africa’s peace, prosperity and continental integration.
By TimesNG