Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, has stated that Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts with South Africa regarding xenophobic attacks are having a positive impact.
Agbese discussed the issue on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television. Responding to whether Nigeria should have taken harsher actions against South Africa for attacks on Nigerian citizens, Agbese remarked that the ongoing diplomatic engagements are proving effective.
He noted that Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, is actively in dialogue with the South African government. Agbese highlighted the emergence of the Ubuntu movement in South Africa, which advocates for peace and unity across Africa.
Agbese also pointed out that migration occurs for various reasons beyond hardship. He acknowledged the difficulties both for South Africa and for countries whose citizens choose to migrate there.
Recent xenophobic incidents have resulted in over 176,000 people leaving South Africa in recent weeks, according to an AFP tally based on African nations’ reports of repatriation. The violence has led to at least four deaths, although some foreign governments report higher casualties.
Ghana has criticized the attacks and is calling for a discussion on the issue at the upcoming African Union summit. Similarly, Nigeria has sought to highlight the issue at the AU level. Nigeria has repatriated 1,490 nationals from South Africa, while Ghana has returned at least 926 citizens.
