In the aftermath of the xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, especially Nigerians resident in South Africa, President Muhammadu Buhari undertook a three-day state visit to South Africa, where he held bilateral talks with the South African delegation led by his host, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Prior to that visit, which incidentally was the first by any Nigerian leader, the diplomatic relations between the two countries was at an all-time low. The repeated attacks that led to the death of some
compatriots, looting and destruction of properties belonging to Nigerians in South Africa and the foiled attempts by the Nigerian authorities on attempted reprisal attacks on South African business concerns summed up the diplomatic face-off.
Based on the provisions of the African charter which both Nigeria and South Africa are signatories to, the begging questions are: what are the guarantees that Nigerians who are still residing in South Africa
and engaged in legitimate businesses are protected by the law of that country? Who bears the brunt of the losses that compatriots are encumbered with in the aftermath of the xenophobic attacks? Most importantly, what are the assurances that the attacks which have become perennial is kept in check?
The Nigerian leader failed to extract any commitment whatsoever from his host on the payment of compensation to compatriots who were victims of the attacks. This does not bode well. These Nigerians operate legitimate businesses, and according to accounts, some of them took bank loans as collaterals to fund such businesses. The South African government apparently looked the other way as these heinous crimes were being committed by her nationals.
Having failed to extract any commitment on the payment of compensation from the South African leader, President Buhari, admonished his compatriots to behave like Romans if they must live in Rome. The implication of that admonition is that the profiling of Nigerians and being targets of attacks may not be unconnected to contravention of the extant laws of the host nation. While Nigerian nationals resident in South Africa are obligated to be law abiding, the South Africa authorities should ensure that attempts at profiling Nigerians is nipped in the bud.
The resolution by both countries that early warning signs should be monitored is a welcome development. If the security agencies in South Africa up their game and exchange intelligence with the Nigerian High commission in Johannesburg, these attacks will be nipped in the bud.
Buhari took the message straight home when he told compatriots that they are the best ambassadors of the country. Even after these diplomatic shuttles, it is incumbent on the Nigerian High commission
in South Africa to ensure that our nationals live and do their businesses within the precincts of their host’s laws. This is important given the fact that at the height of the attacks, some South
African officials alleged that some Nigerians engage in illicit businesses, including being involved in illicit drug business. This allegation has to be addressed squarely. However, what cannot be wished away is the fact that Nigerians are conscientious workers wherever they find themselves.
The major takeaway from Buhari’s visit is the ratification of the Bi-National Commission. Instructively, South Africa is the only country that Nigeria has Bi-National Commission with that is co-chaired by Heads of government. With the initialing of this vital document, the strategic relationship between both countries has been firmed up. Being the engine-rooms of the continent’s economy, what remains now is the implementation of the agreements. With Agenda 2063 package unfolding, both Nigeria and South Africa are going to be the major drivers, leading the way for others to follow.