Nigeria Summons Envoy Over Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa

By Andah John

The Federal Government has summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria over the xenophobic violence against Nigerians and other foreigners in the southern African nation.

“The High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria is being summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during which government’s concerns on this matter will be brought to his attention,” a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs read.

It noted that the latest incident happened on 5 February, 2017, in the suburb of Rosettenville, Johannesburg, and involved attacks against foreigners including Pakistanis, Nigerians, and other Africans.

“Domestic grievances over ownership of homes and default in payment of mortgages were used as justification to attack foreigners not in any way involved in the repossession and subsequent resale of these properties.

“It would be recalled that in 2015, domestic grievances over unemployment and other challenges faced by South Africans were also used as justification to attack and kill,” the ministry stated.

​The ministry condemned these acts of mindless violence and unwarranted attacks against other nationals in South Africa on the basis of their nationality or status.