Nigeria and South Africa are holding discussions over xenophobic attacks, with both nations seeking to address the recurring issue of violence against foreign nationals. The talks, led by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, are aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation to combat xenophobia.
Enikanolaiye highlighted that xenophobic violence has been a persistent problem in South Africa, with documented incidents dating back to 1995 and recurring in several years since, including 1998, 2006, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2026. He expressed concern over the pattern of such attacks, which have often targeted foreign communities, particularly from Nigeria.
The meeting comes amid growing tensions between the two nations, with Nigeria emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to prevent and respond to xenophobic incidents. Both countries are expected to explore joint strategies to promote mutual understanding and protect the rights of foreign nationals living in each other’s territories.
