South Africa and Nigeria have moved to ease diplomatic tensions following a wave of migrant protests, with senior officials from both countries working to calm relations strained by rising xenophobia.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola told West African partners on July 23 that Pretoria is committed to protecting all foreign nationals and to addressing the root causes of the unrest. He was speaking at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation’s winter seminar at the JSE in Sandton.
Lamola said government is in “active engagement” with Nigeria and other regional states to prevent further escalation after recent protests targeting African migrants in several South African cities.
“We value the long-standing ties between South Africa and Nigeria, and between South Africa and the broader West African community,” Lamola said. “No disagreement should undermine that partnership.”
The minister’s remarks come amid growing concern over anti-migrant sentiment and sporadic demonstrations that have drawn condemnation across the continent. Nigeria, which has one of the largest diaspora communities in South Africa, raised the issue at bilateral level last week.
Analysts say the quick diplomatic intervention helped avoid a deeper fallout similar to past flare-ups in 2019. Business leaders have also warned that restricting migration could damage trade and investment, pointing to lessons from Brexit and other regional disputes.
Lamola reiterated that government will enforce the law against violence and criminality, while also rolling out public education campaigns and working with community leaders to counter misinformation.
The talks signal both countries want to reset the tone before upcoming AU and SADC engagements later this year.
