Photo Credit: The Sun Nigeria / Presidency
Nigeria Again Warns South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks, Says Humiliation of Citizens Unacceptable
The Federal Government of Nigeria has again issued a strong warning to South Africa over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on its citizens, declaring that the dehumanisation and humiliation of Nigerians will no longer be tolerated.

Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the warning in Luanda, Angola, shortly before departing for Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).

Speaking with journalists, Shettima said Nigeria remains committed to dialogue and peaceful engagement with South Africa, but will no longer stay silent when the dignity, safety and rights of its citizens are threatened.

“Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble. We were part of the struggle for the liberation of our brothers and sisters in Southern Africa, and we feel personally pained that our people have been picked up for humiliation,” he said.

He stressed that Nigeria’s historic role in the liberation struggle of Southern Africa makes the reported mistreatment of its citizens even more painful.

“The government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanised and put into very, very unacceptable situations,” Shettima declared.

The Vice President, however, noted that Nigeria is not seeking to escalate tensions, saying dialogue remains the preferred option.

“But we believe in having very robust conversations with our South African brothers. We don’t want to overheat the polity, but once in a while, you have to make it very clear, vehemently clear, that certain situations are unacceptable, and we’ll work things out,” he added.

His remarks came barely 24 hours after President Tinubu formally reported recurring xenophobic attacks to the AU, calling for urgent continental intervention.

In a message delivered by Shettima at the extraordinary summit, President Tinubu asked the AU to place the matter on the agenda of its 40th Ordinary Session scheduled for January 2027 for consideration and appropriate action.

Nigeria told the summit that while it recognises South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, attacks on Africans and other foreign nationals undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence.

Tinubu also urged African leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the safety, protection and dignity of African nationals and called for stronger continental efforts against xenophobia and Afrophobia.

Nigeria maintained that immigration enforcement must be carried out within the law and without violence, discrimination or humiliation of foreign nationals.
Source: The Sun Nigeria