Nigeria accuses South Africa of complicity as 160,000 flee anti-migrant violence

Nigerian and South African diplomats held tense talks in Abuja on Monday after Nigeria accused Pretoria of complicity in attacks against African immigrants that have driven more than 160,000 people from South Africa.

Officials from both countries described each other as “brothers” and referred to Nigeria’s support for the struggle against apartheid.

However, Nigeria’s junior foreign affairs minister Sola Enikanolaiye accused South African authorities of failing to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals.

“We have records of Nigerians who have legitimate papers to remain in South Africa, yet they have been attacked,” Enikanolaiye said before the meeting continued behind closed doors.

He said Nigeria had witnessed mob attacks in which police appeared to stand by “as if they are helpless to address this situation”.

South African police said at least four foreign nationals had been killed in attacks linked to anti-migrant protests. Some African governments repatriating their citizens have reported a higher death toll.

More than 160,000 people have left South Africa, according to an AFP tally based on figures from African governments repatriating their nationals.

The total includes about 1,500 Nigerians.

South African International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government had spoken out against intolerance.

He said South Africa also had the right to address irregular migration, undocumented immigrants and criminal activity.

South Africa has faced months of protests, some of them violent, against African immigrants whom demonstrators blame for crime, unemployment and pressure on public services.

Nigeria and Ghana have been among the most outspoken critics of the South African government’s handling of the unrest.