Minister Summons Envoys From South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Bashir Wali, has summoned Nigeria’s senior diplomats on tour of duty in South Africa for consultation over the xenophobic attacks on foreigners in the country.

A statement from the Public Communications Division at the ministry, said those summoned are the Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria, Ambassador Martin Cobham and the Deputy High Commissioner in Johannesburg, Ambassador Uche Ajulu – Okeke.

The invitation is in connection with the on-going xenophobia in South Africa targeting foreigners, mainly African migrants.

It will be recalled that the current spate of attacks began about three weeks ago, and have so far claimed some seven lives, destruction of property and created fear and uncertainty in the minds of African migrants in the former apartheid enclave.

The South African President, Mr. Jacob Zuma has condemned the attacks in a statement presented to the South African National Assembly. Ditto for the Zulu Monarch, Goodwill Zwelithini, whose alleged inciting comment provoked the attacks. Well meaning South Africans have also organized peace marches against the xenophobia.