Diplomatic tensions are escalating between South Africa and several African nations following a wave of violence targeting immigrants. The South African government has stepped forward to refute claims regarding casualties and address sharp criticisms from regional neighbors.
Denials and Casualty Clarifications
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, stated that reports claiming Nigerian nationals were killed during the recent unrest are "entirely unsubstantiated by available information." In a statement shared via his official X account, Lamola asserted that no Nigerian national has been killed during the current waves of attacks in the country.
Additionally, the Minister addressed discrepancies regarding Mozambican casualties. While initial reports from Maputo suggested five deaths, Lamola clarified that an active South African Police Service investigation has confirmed the deaths of two Mozambican nationals. He expressed deep regret over these losses and emphasized that the investigation would ensure clear accountability and justice.
Diplomatic Friction with Ghana
The situation has created a significant rift with Ghana. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, has accused Pretoria of lacking the political will to decisively address the recurring crisis. This friction has culminated in Accra filing a formal complaint against South Africa at the African Union, arguing that the violence contravenes the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
Minister Lamola responded firmly, describing any lawsuits emanating from Ghana as "frivolous or baseless." He further reiterated that the majority of Ghanaians repatriated to Accra were undocumented, criticizing the use of "incomplete information and outright misinformation" in public discourse.
Repatriation and International Pressure
Nigeria is also taking measures to secure its citizens. According to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), more than 1,000 Nigerians have already undergone screening for voluntary repatriation facilitated by the Nigerian government.
These developments follow a warning from the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in April, which urged the South African government to accompany its condemnations of violence with "prompt, concrete, and sustained measures" to prevent future occurrences and ensure legal accountability.
Reference(s):
South Africa denies that Nigerians killed in anti-immigrant violence
cgtn.com
