XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS: President Buhari explores Diplomatic resolution, Dispatches Envoy to South Africa

Responding to the unending xenophobic attacks against Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari has taken a step to quell the ongoing unmitigated violent actions against Nigerians and their businesses.

The attacks which were reported since August 29, 2019 has continued with no respite in sight.

According to statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on (Media & Publicity), Femi Adesina, taking diplomatic steps to nip the lingering unfortunate, President Buhari had instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffery Onyeama to summon the South African High Commissioner with a view to getting a brief on the situation and to express Nigeria’s displeasure with the inhuman treatments against her citizens.

The statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari has noted with deep concern, reported attacks on Nigerian citizens and property in South Africa since August 29, 2019.

Consequently, the President has instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria and get a brief on the situation; express Nigeria’s displeasure over the treatment of her citizens; and assurance of the safety of their lives and property.”

Meanwhile, to further reinforced the countries dissatisfaction with the handling of the South African government’s kid-glove-handling of the crisis, President Buhari has also despatched a Special Envoy to convey to President Cyril Ramaphosa his concerns and also interact with his South African counterpart on the situation.

According to the statement, the Special Envoy is expected to arrive in Pretoria latest Thursday, September 5, 2019.

Reacting to the vexatious issue, Nigeria’s high commission in South Africa described the situation as “anarchy”, and has called on Nigerians to come forward to report what has happened to them.

According to BBC News, in a swift reaction, South Africa’s police minister, Bheki Cele, said on Monday that “criminality rather than xenophobia” was to blame for the “senseless violence”.

His words: “[Xenophobia] is used as an excuse,” he told reporters after visiting Johannesburg’s Central Business District, where much of the unrest has been taking place. “Nothing… has sparked any form of conflict between the South Africans and foreign nationals.”