South African Gov't moves to protect its citizens and properties in Nigeria

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa/iAfrica

Relations between Nigeria and South Africa is in the balance following fierce reactions to the xenophobic attacks against Nigeria citizens living in the Southern African country.



While the Buhari administration pled with Nigerians back home to remain calm and refrain from retaliation, the South African government according to a report by Daily Trust, has closed down its High Commission in Abuja and Consulate in Lagos following claims of threats against the mission staff as well as the property of South Africa.

The statement which is credited to the country’s Minister of International Relation and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, said its decision to shutdown its Consulates is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of its diplomats and citizens.



The statement reads:

“The Minister expressed displeasure at misleading reports circulating on social media about a direct physical attack on the acting head of mission. These reports are totally false, as are reports of vandalism at the Commission in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos.




“Our acting head of mission is in constant communication with the department and with the authorities in Nigeria, who are providing extra security at South African offices.

“The department has received reports of marches by demonstrators to South African companies as well as attempts to attack them.

“We are commutating with businesses that have branches in Nigeria and have requested their senior managers to remain in close contact with the department and the ministry.


“It is established tradition in foreign policy that diplomatic missions should enjoy protection from the host country and while we remain perturbed at the threats directed at our missions, we are grateful to note that the security forces and the government of Nigeria are upholding this long-established practice of foreign policy.

“The Minister confirmed that her directive to the Mission that links should be encouraged between the youth of SA and Nigeria and that the Nigerian student association should be invited to visit SA has been acted upon.



“Meetings have been held at the mission with the student organisation and a committee was established to continue the dialogue and work on the detail of the proposed visit.

“The department and the ministry will remain in constant contact with our representatives and will continue to assess the situation on the ground and provide feedback as new information becomes available.


“The Minister is planning to meet the African Heads of Mission to South Africa as early as next week.”