Tinubu Declines Meeting with South African Envoys Over Xenophobic Attacks, Sends Delegation to Foreign Affairs Minister

President Bola Tinubu on Monday declined to receive a special delegation from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over the renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, directing the envoys to meet instead with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

The delegation, led by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja on Friday seeking an audience with the President amid worsening diplomatic tensions between both countries.

Presidency sources disclosed that although the delegation initially requested to see Tinubu upon arrival, no prior arrangement had been made. They were subsequently informed that the President would be available on Monday, but he later instructed them to hold discussions with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

The decision comes as Nigeria continues to express concern over recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, forcing the evacuation of nearly 600 Nigerians.

Receiving the delegation, Enikanolaiye said Tinubu mandated him to engage the South African officials on finding lasting solutions to the crisis while preserving the longstanding relationship between both countries.

The minister lamented that attacks on Nigerians had persisted for decades, recalling similar incidents in 1995, 1998, 2006, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2026.

He revealed that 98 Nigerians had died in hate-related attacks since 2022 and stressed that Nigeria would not support criminal activities but insisted that anyone accused of crimes should face lawful prosecution rather than mob violence.

Enikanolaiye also recalled Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, describing the attacks as inconsistent with the historical ties between both nations.

He further criticised instances where security agencies allegedly failed to intervene during attacks, saying such actions raised questions about state responsibility.

Responding, Lamola said Ramaphosa sent him to reaffirm South Africa’s opposition to xenophobia, racism and all forms of intolerance.

He, however, maintained that South Africa would continue enforcing its immigration laws while addressing criminal activities within its borders.

Lamola described migration as a shared African challenge requiring collaborative solutions and expressed confidence that continued dialogue between both countries would help resolve the crisis and strengthen bilateral relations.