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As Foreign Affairs Ministry Condemns Attack on Nigerians
- Safiu Kehinde
South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele has honoured the summon by the Federal Government as she appeared before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the ongoing xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other black migrants in South Africa.
NPO Reported that the ministry had last week summoned Machele amid growing concerns over the attacks which had in the past weeks escalated into full demonstrations and raid on foreigners’ establishments by some local South African indigenes, forcing them to shut their businesses and leave the country.
Following her arrival, the South Africa’s High Commissioner was engaged in a meeting with the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dunoma Ahmed, who condemned the attacks and reported threats against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
As contained in a statement issued on Monday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the meeting addressed attacks on Nigerians and other matters affecting bilateral relations.
Ebienfa disclosed that the incidents discussed during the meeting also included the deaths of Matthew Ekpenyong and Kelvin Amaramiro.
He said both deaths allegedly followed assaults involving security personnel.
“This incident, alongside other reported cases, has heightened anxiety within the Nigerian community.
“It requires urgent, credible and transparent remedial action from relevant authorities,” Ebienfa said.
He said Nigeria demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into both deaths.
“We request prompt sharing of preliminary findings and regular updates with the Government of Nigeria,” he said.
Ebienfa added that Nigeria also requested access to autopsy reports and other case documents.
He said authorities should also support affected families in accessing legal processes.
Quoting Ahmed, he acknowledged statements by South African leaders condemning extrajudicial killings.
Ahmed also welcomed official rejection of attacks and looting targeting foreign nationals.
He said such commitments must now translate into practical action on the ground.
Ahmed stressed the need for accountability where misconduct by security personnel is established.
He said disciplinary and prosecutorial action must follow confirmed wrongdoing.
The permanent secretary also urged South Africa to guarantee protection for Nigerians residing lawfully in the country.
He said this included protection against profiling and unlawful detention.
Ahmed also called for strict compliance with professional standards by security agencies.
He identified Jacinta Zuma and Operation Dudula among groups linked to anti-foreigner attacks.
The Permanent Secretary called for proactive steps to prevent incitement, intimidation and violence.
Ahmed also welcomed the early warning mechanism memorandum signed by both countries.
He urged immediate activation whenever threats against Nigerians emerge.
“The ministry calls on South Africa to prevent further violence and restore confidence,” he said.
He added that Nigerians in South Africa must live safely, lawfully and with dignity.