FG summons South African envoy over xenophobic attacks on Nigerians

The federal government has invited Bobby Moroe, the acting high commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, for a meeting over the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in the former apartheid country.

Kimiebi Ebienfa, director of public affairs at the federal ministry of foreign affairs, said the meeting is scheduled for Monday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa,” Ebienfa said in a statement on Saturday.

“Discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.”

Ebienfa noted that the ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their compatriots in South Africa.

At least two Nigerians have been killed since anti-foreigner tensions started to heighten in South Africa last month.

In the wake of the crisis, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has urged the South African government to prosecute perpetrators of the xenophobic attacks.

Ebienfa said the ministry of foreign affairs implored the Nigerian public to remain calm.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.

Ghana had also summoned Thando Dalamba, the South African acting high commissioner in the country, over the xenophobic attacks.