…Govt Says Response May Include Restrictions On South Africans
…Repatriation Flights Disrupted By Documentation Delays
The Federal Government has said it is weighing possible retaliatory measures against South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, even as evacuation arrangements for affected citizens are being finalised.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Sunday while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid growing diplomatic tension between Nigeria and South Africa over the safety of Nigerian nationals.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the option of punitive action against South Africa was not off the table, stressing that such a decision would, however, require broader governmental and legislative consideration.
“Well, that is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature. This is a decision that has to be taken at the highest level of government,” she said.
“But it’s not off the table.”
The minister expressed strong displeasure over the repeated attacks on Nigerians, recalling Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa during its anti-apartheid struggle.
“Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria committed funds and resources to aid South Africa,” she said.
She further noted that Nigerians were aggrieved by what she described as selective targeting of migrants in the affected areas.
“Sometimes we even got arrested for doing this. Nigeria is a serious frontline state, and Nigerians are not happy about how they have been treated. They are not asking other migrants to leave; they’re only asking black migrants to leave,” she added.
On the evacuation process, the minister explained that repatriation flights for stranded Nigerians had been delayed due to documentation and screening procedures carried out in collaboration with South African authorities.
According to her, the screening of over 1,000 Nigerian citizens, which began last Thursday, was expected to end on Saturday, with evacuation flights initially scheduled for Monday but now delayed.
She assured that arrangements were being concluded to bring back those who voluntarily opted to return home, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring their safety and dignity.
Diplomatic observers say the latest development could further strain bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa if not urgently addressed through high-leveppl engagement.
FOLLOW US
FOR MORE HERE
More details here…
