Finally, the Federal Government has summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria over the ongoing xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals especially Nigerians and Ghanaians.
On Thursday April 23, following widespread attacks against its citizens, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, summoned Thando Dalamba, South African Acting High Commissioner in the country, protesting that such conduct undermines the dignity and rights of law-abiding residents.
Adding that Ghana is particularly concerned about reports advising foreign nationals to remain indoors for safety, the Minister cited an incident in KwaZulu-Natal province where a Ghanaian resident was allegedly confronted and asked to prove his legal status, with some individuals reportedly telling him to leave South Africa.
But on Sunday, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the acting High Commissioner had been invited to Abuja over the issue.
Ebienfa noted that the purpose of the engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s concern about recent events that could affect the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended an invitation to the Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa for a meeting scheduled to take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.”
“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
“Discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.
“The Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa. Nevertheless, it implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa,” the statement read.
