To address the issue of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and other related matters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, yesterday, summoned the acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele, for a meeting in Abuja.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, met with Machele over the development.
The spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, while briefing journalists on the development, said that during the meeting, the Ministry acknowledged the recent public statements by the President of South Africa and other senior government officials, including the Minister of Police and the National Police Commissioner, rejecting extrajudicial killings and the looting of foreign nationals’ properties and underscored the importance of translating these commitments into consistent action on the ground.
Ebienfa also said the Federal Government expressed concern over reported threats against foreign nationals in South Africa, including those attributed to a group reportedly led by Jacinta Zuma and other groups such as Operation Dudula and emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent incitement, intimidation or violence.
“The Government of Nigeria condemns the violence against Nigerians in South Africa, including the recent deaths of Nnaemeka Matthew, Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro, following alleged assaults by security personnel. The Ministry notes that these incidents, alongside other reported cases, have heightened anxiety within the Nigerian community and require urgent, credible remedial action. We, therefore, request thorough and impartial investigations into both deaths, including prompt sharing of preliminary findings and regular updates with the Government of Nigeria.
“Nigeria also seeks full cooperation in providing autopsy reports, post-mortem documentation and relevant case files, and in facilitating access to legal processes for the families of the deceased. As a precautionary measure, Nigeria emphasises the need for accountability where wrongdoing is established, including appropriate disciplinary and prosecutorial action against implicated personnel.
“The Government of South Africa should ensure the protection of Nigerians living lawfully in the country, including clear directives against profiling, adherence to due process during arrests and detention and strict enforcement of professional conduct standards by relevant agencies,” Ebienfa said.
The foreign ministry’s spokesperson further said the Federal Government welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Early Warning Mechanism and called for the speedy activation and implementation as a practical channel for rapid information-sharing and de-escalation when threats to Nigerians emerge.
“Finally, the Ministry called on the South African Government to implement decisive steps to prevent further violence against Nigerians, rebuild confidence within the Nigerian community and ensure Nigerians can live in South Africa safely and with dignity.
“On the issue of growing discontent on the part of Nigerians over the unacceptable treatment of Nigerians, the Ministry is aware of the protest by a small group of Nigerians at the South African High Commission in Abuja on Friday, but calls for calm and frowns at any attempt by individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands. The government is engaging the South African authorities at the highest level to address the concerns raised regarding the protection of Nigerians. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu also had a telephone conversation with her South African counterpart earlier today to strengthen relations between both countries.
“The Permanent Secretary assured the acting High Commissioner of the Nigerian Government’s continued commitment to uphold the sanctity, security and inviolability of all diplomatic missions and personnel in Nigeria, in line with international obligations,” Ebienfa also said.
Responding, the acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, informed that the position of the Nigerian Government would be conveyed to Pretoria.
She also informed that the protests were not supported by the South African Government and that the issues raised would be addressed to ensure continuous peaceful relations between both countries.
Earlier, Ebienfa said the Federal Government noted with concern the ongoing protests in some parts of South Africa, requesting foreigners, especially blacks, to leave the country.
He also said some of the videos of the violent protests were very disturbing, considering the friendly and cordial relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of South Africa.
“Our Missions in South Africa – the High Commission in Pretoria and Consulate in Johannesburg, are closely monitoring the situation as events unfold.
“The Ministry has also been informed of the reported unfortunate death of two Nigerians, Nnaemeka Matthew, Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro due to injuries sustained while in the custody of South African security agencies. It was reported that on April 21, Nnaemeka Matthew died while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department. Prior to his death, he reportedly sustained injuries attributed to personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Reports further indicate that a search of his residence yielded no incriminating evidence. The circumstances of his detention and death have raised concerns regarding the conduct of the security personnel involved. More so, on April 25, Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro died at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following an alleged assault by SANDF personnel,” Ebienfa stated.
