Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the dehumanization or mistreatment of its citizens in other countries, while reaffirming the government’s opposition to xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
Shettima spoke in Luanda, Angola, shortly before departing for Abuja after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The Vice President said Nigeria remained committed to dialogue with South Africa but would continue to speak firmly whenever the dignity and safety of Nigerians were threatened.
He said the government did not want to inflame bilateral tensions but believed that certain actions had to be identified clearly as unacceptable.
Shettima also invoked Nigeria’s historic role in supporting the liberation struggle in Southern Africa, saying that history made attacks on Nigerians in the region particularly painful.
He urged South African authorities to ensure that immigration enforcement did not become an avenue for abuse, humiliation or attacks on African migrants.
The Vice President said Nigeria would continue to pursue its concerns through diplomatic engagement and peaceful dialogue.
His remarks add to recurring concerns over xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa, where Nigerians and nationals of other African countries have periodically reported attacks, harassment and discrimination.
Shettima departed Luanda after concluding Nigeria’s participation in the AU summit, which focused on conflict resolution and peace-building across the continent.
