Only Nigeria has taken this unfortunate and regrettable step- South African Government

The South African government released a press statement dated today 26th April 2015 reacting to Nigeria's decision to recall of her high commissioner to South Africa. They described this action as "unfortunate" and "regrettable" and also implied that Nigeria is exploiting the Xenophobic attack for a hidden agenda. They also said that Nigeria did not raise any issue with them or complain about the Xenophobic attacks. They compared the Xenophobic attacks to the Synagogue Church building collapse, stating that they did not blame Nigerian government for the incident. They also made it clear that they would not try to sort anything with the current President Goodluck Jonathan but will wait for the Buhari administration before they lay their complaints. They ended it with concerns on the Boko Haram sect and the Chibok girls. I don't know hot that comes in though, may be to also show the Nigerian government that they also have 'uncontrollable' violence to deal with. See full statement after the cut

Media Statement

26 April 2015

South African Government responds to the decision by the Nigerian Government

The South African Government takes note that the outgoing Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has recalled its Acting High Commissioner to South Africa. A government resorts to such an extraordinary diplomatic step to express outrage at actions or behaviour of another government.

We are not sure which actions or behaviour of the South African Government the Nigerian Government is protesting. It is only Nigeria that has taken this unfortunate and regrettable step.  If this action is based on the incidents of attacks on foreign nationals in some parts of our country, it would be curious for a sisterly country to want to exploit such a painful episode for whatever agenda.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has just returned from Indonesia to attend the Africa-Asia Summit and the 60th Anniversary of the historic Bandung Conference.  At no stage did the Nigerian delegation present at that gathering, expressed its intention to formally raise the issue with the South African side.

South Africa remains committed to a strong bond of friendship and bilateral relations with Nigeria.  It is for this reason that when 84 of our citizens perished on Nigerian soil, we did not blame the Nigerian Government for the deaths and more than nine (9) months delay in the repatriation of the bodies of our fallen compatriots, or for the fact that when these bodies eventually returned, they were in a state that they could not be touched or viewed as required by our burial practice.

We will raise our concerns through diplomatic channels with the new administration that will assume office in Nigeria next month.

The South African Government, as well as all political parties, religious organisations, non-governmental organisations, business, sports fraternities, including artists, musicians  and ordinary people of South Africa, have been decisive and unequivocal in condemning and rejecting the attacks on foreign nationals.

Through our interventions, relative calm and order has been restored. We are encouraged by the solidarity our country continues to receive from other African countries and the international community. We shall also continue to support and not blame the Nigerian Government as it battles to deal with Boko Haram that continues to kill many innocent civilians. We hope that the more than 200 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram will someday be reunited with their families.

Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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