Vice President Kashim Shettima warned Nigeria will no longer tolerate mistreatment of its citizens in South Africa, reiterating preference for diplomatic resolution.
Speaking to journalists on Monday in Luanda, Angola, before departing for Nigeria, Shettima condemned the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
He stressed that the Nigerian government would make its position clear whenever the safety and dignity of its citizens are threatened.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has warned that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the humiliation, dehumanisation or mistreatment of its citizens in South Africa.
Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) held in Luanda on Saturday, invoked Nigeria’s historical role in the liberation of Southern African countries.
He said, “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,” Shettima said.
“The government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanised and put into very unacceptable situations.”
Shettima condemned recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans, but said Nigeria would continue to pursue dialogue and peaceful engagement with South Africa.
Despite the strong language, the Vice President emphasised that Nigeria is not seeking confrontation with South Africa. “We believe in having very robust conversations with our South African brothers,” he said.
“We don’t want to overheat the polity, but once the fundamental rights of our citizens are threatened, we will speak out.”
Shettima called on South African authorities to ensure that immigration enforcement does not become a basis for violating the rights of foreign nationals.
He acknowledged South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws but insisted such enforcement must respect human dignity.
He reminded South Africans of Nigeria’s historic role in the liberation struggles in Southern Africa, saying Nigerians were deeply pained by reports of their compatriots being subjected to degrading treatment.
The Vice President’s remarks align with President Tinubu’s intervention at the AU session, where he formally raised concerns over the attacks.
Tinubu, represented by Shettima, called on the AU to place the issue on the agenda of its 40th Ordinary Session scheduled for January 2027. He urged African leaders to strengthen continental efforts against xenophobia through dialogue and preventive diplomacy.
The Vice President urged South African authorities to protect the lives and dignity of Nigerians and other African nationals while enforcing the country’s immigration laws.
Nigeria and South Africa have historically maintained strong political and economic ties, with Nigeria playing a significant role in supporting anti-apartheid struggles.
However, the relationship has occasionally been strained by incidents of xenophobic violence in South Africa, a sensitive issue given the large number of Nigerians living there for business, education, and employment.
Historic Nigeria-South Africa Ties
Source: THEWILL NEWS MEDIA