President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined to meet a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as diplomatic tension between Nigeria and South Africa continues over repeated attacks on Nigerians living in the country.
The development followed fresh reports of xenophobic violence, including the alleged killing of a Nigerian, Chika Ibe, in Cape Town.
The victim was reportedly taken from his residence at the Parksig Villas Complex in Bellville and later died after alleged torture by members of the South African Police Service.
The South African delegation, led by the country’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja on Friday, July 24, to deliver an important message from President Ramaphosa. However, President Tinubu did not grant the team an audience.
Nigeria has continued to speak against attacks on its citizens in South Africa.
At the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS held in Lungi, Sierra Leone, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, called for African countries to work together to stop xenophobic attacks and protect the rights of people living in other African nations.
Shettima also disclosed that the Nigerian government had evacuated 1,490 citizens affected by previous attacks in South Africa.
He said Nigeria would continue working with regional and continental organisations to find lasting solutions to the problem.
Sources familiar with the matter said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, advised that it was not the right time for President Tinubu to receive the South African delegation because attacks on Nigerians and their businesses had continued.
The minister was also said to have maintained that the visiting delegation could not meet the President without an earlier appointment and clear commitments from the South African government.
Another issue raised by Nigerian officials was the Early Warning Mechanism agreement signed by both countries in Abuja on October 22, 2025.
Nigeria reportedly wants South Africa to complete the ratification of the agreement before any further diplomatic talks at the highest level.
The agreement was created to improve cooperation between both countries by helping them detect security threats early, protect citizens, strengthen communication during emergencies and reduce the risk of xenophobic attacks and other crimes involving foreign nationals.
Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs believe the framework could also help Nigerians seek compensation for businesses and properties destroyed during previous attacks.
They noted that South Africa has not compensated affected Nigerians despite the losses suffered over the years.
As of the time the report was filed, President Tinubu had not agreed to receive the South African envoy.
It also remained uncertain whether a telephone conversation reportedly initiated by President Ramaphosa during the weekend had produced any breakthrough.
