South Africa Demands Evidence as Nigeria Protests Killings of Citizens, Threatens of Diplomatic Action

• South Africa has asked Nigeria to provide evidence supporting its claims that Nigerians were killed in recent anti-migrant attacks, following Abuja’s warning of possible diplomatic action over the incidents.

South Africa has called on Nigeria to provide evidence to support allegations that Nigerian citizens were killed amid a recent wave of anti-migrant violence, following Abuja’s warning that it could take diplomatic action if attacks on its nationals persist.

The diplomatic row follows a statement issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemning the deaths of two Nigerians in South Africa and accusing South African authorities of failing to adequately protect foreign nationals.

In a statement released on Sunday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria said Emeka Charles Iroegbu died during what it described as a “gruesome interrogation” by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28.

The ministry also said Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as “Big Joe,” was shot dead by unidentified attackers outside his shop in eMalahleni (formerly Witbank), Mpumalanga, on the same day.

Reacting to the incidents, the Federal Government expressed concern over what it described as a recurring pattern of attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.

“We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table, some of which will be activated if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour against foreigners is not addressed,” the ministry said.

Nigeria also argued that the repeated incidents raised concerns over whether South Africa was meeting its obligations under international law to protect foreign nationals. It noted that South African citizens and businesses continue to operate freely in Nigeria and urged Pretoria to guarantee similar protection for Nigerians residing legally in South Africa.

Despite its criticism, the Federal Government appealed to Nigerians not to retaliate against South African businesses or citizens. It said it would continue to pursue dialogue and diplomatic engagement while ongoing efforts to evacuate Nigerians who requested voluntary repatriation continue.

In response, South Africa rejected suggestions of state involvement in the attacks and urged Nigeria to substantiate its allegations.

According to Reuters, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the Nigerian government should submit any evidence through the appropriate diplomatic channels instead of making public accusations.

While the department did not directly respond to Nigeria’s specific claims, it said any credible evidence presented would be examined by the relevant authorities.