President Muhammadu Buhari today received the report of the special
envoy sent to South Africa on the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.
The President has consequently directed the next steps to take to stop the
menace, according to a statement to newsmen by Femi Adesina, his Special
Adviser.
The statement added, “In the wake of the xenophobic attacks by South
Africans against other Africans including Nigerians, President Muhammadu
Buhari sent Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, Director-General, National
Intelligence Agency (DGNIA) as his Special Envoy to South Africa, to convey a
Special Message to his counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Special
Envoy, who was in Pretoria from Thursday, 5th to Saturday, 7th September
2019 conveyed:
“The deep concern of President Buhari and Nigerians about intermittent
violence against Nigerians and their property/business interests in South
Africa.
“President Buhari stressed the need for the South African Government to take
visible measures to stop violence against citizens of brotherly African nations.
“President Buhari is worried that the recurring issue of xenophobia could
negatively affect the image and standing of South Africa as one of the leading
countries on the continent if nothing is done to stop it.
“The Special Envoy conveyed the assurance of President Buhari that the
Nigerian Government is ready and willing to collaborate with the South African
Government to find a lasting solution to the involvement of few Nigerians in
criminal activities, and to protect the lives and property of the larger groups of
other law-abiding Nigerians and indeed Africans in general, against all forms of
attacks including xenophobia.
“President Buhari further assured that the Nigerian Government will guarantee
the safety of lives, property and business interests of South Africans in Nigeria.
“On his part, President Ramaphosa agreed that the violence was most
disconcerting and embarrassing, adding that his government completely rejects
such acts, which undermine not only the country’s image but also its relations
with brotherly African countries.
“President Ramaphosa reaffirmed his stand against criminality and committed
to doing everything possible to protect the rights of every Nigerian and other
foreign nationals in the country.
“The Special Envoy also interfaced with his South African counterpart, where
they reviewed the situation of foreign emigrants in general and Nigerians in
particular. They agreed to work together to find a permanent solution to the
root causes of the recurring attacks on Nigerians and their property.
“President Buhari has taken note of the report and instructed the Honourable
Minister of Foreign Affairs to continue to engage with appropriate Authorities
on the concrete measure the South African Government is expected to take.
“President Buhari has also given instruction for the immediate voluntary
evacuation of all Nigerians who are willing to return home.”
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