South Africa is stepping up diplomatic efforts to ease growing tensions with Nigeria over migration and the treatment of foreign nationals, as the country’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, prepares for a high-level visit to Abuja.
Lamola, who is also Special Envoy to President Cyril Ramaphosa, is expected to depart for Nigeria on Sunday night for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Africa’s two largest economies.
According to South Africa’s public broadcaster, SABC, the minister is scheduled to meet with President Bola Tinubu, although the date of the meeting has not yet been announced.
The visit comes against the backdrop of mounting concerns over anti-migrant protests and recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, issues that have increasingly strained relations between Pretoria and Abuja.
Nigerian government concluded its voluntary emergency repatriation program from South Africa, bringing home a total of 1,448 citizens across multiple flights.
First Daily gathered that Lamola’s mission is expected to focus on three key objectives: repairing diplomatic ties, addressing concerns surrounding migration, and building a common African approach to migration management.
As part of the discussions, the South African delegation is expected to explain Pretoria’s position on migration, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting human rights alongside the enforcement of the country’s immigration laws.
READ ALSO: Falana Urges Nigeria, Ghana To Sue South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks
The talks are also expected to explore ways both countries can work together to improve the safety and welfare of African migrants across the continent.
Lamola’s trip follows a similar diplomatic engagement with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, as Pretoria seeks to reassure African governments amid growing criticism over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.
Relations between South Africa and some African countries have become increasingly tense in recent weeks following remarks by presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, who accused Ghana and, to a lesser extent, Nigeria of promoting a narrative that South Africa was becoming isolated on the continent.
The situation was further inflamed after a statement from South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency suggested Nigeria should help address criminal activities allegedly linked to some Nigerian nationals operating drug dens in South Africa.
The comments sparked widespread criticism in Nigeria, with many citizens rejecting the remarks as unfair and inflammatory.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the statement, describing it as unhelpful to the long-standing relationship between both countries.
The diplomatic visit also comes amid renewed concern over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
In recent months, about three Nigerians have reportedly been killed in separate incidents, while xenophobic rhetoric and anti-immigrant protests have continued to fuel fears within migrant communities.