President Bola Tinubu has agreed to receive a special envoy from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions over the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
Tinubu had earlier declined to meet the South African delegation amid growing outrage over attacks targeting Nigerians, their businesses and properties in the country.
The delegation, led by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja on Friday, July 24, but was left waiting as the Nigerian President withheld an audience.
However, diplomatic sources said the situation changed after behind-the-scenes engagements, including a telephone conversation initiated by President Ramaphosa over the weekend.
The intervention reportedly paved the way for a meeting between both sides later on Monday.
The talks are expected to include senior officials from Nigeria and South Africa. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is expected to play a key role during the discussions, as Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is currently attending official engagements in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu had reportedly advised against receiving the South African delegation earlier, maintaining that it would be inappropriate while Nigerians continued to face attacks and destruction of property in South Africa.
The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic ties and addressing concerns over the safety and protection of Nigerians living in South Africa.
