…Seeks speedy delivery of justice
By Emmanuel Obisue
The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the persistent cases of extrajudicial killings of Nigerians in South Africa and the slow pace of justice delivery for victims of such incidents.
Nigerian Pilot reports that the ‘Dudula’ group, also known as ‘Operation Dudula’ – a South African anti-immigrant movement that emerged around 2021 in Johannesburg’s Soweto township, has been responsible for the latest onslaught against Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in the country.
The Nigerian government made its position known on Tuesday during the Nigeria–South Africa Political Consultations held in Abuja, co-chaired by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Speaking at the meeting, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs who co-chaired the session on behalf of Nigeria, lamented that despite the strong historical and fraternal ties between both countries, cases of violence and discrimination against Nigerians living in South Africa continue to recur.
She said the Nigerian government remains deeply worried that justice has continued to elude several victims of these extrajudicial killings, even as both governments have continued to express commitment to protecting their citizens and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
“We cannot ignore the recurring reports of extrajudicial killings and the continued delay in the administration of justice for deceased Nigerians. These incidents cast a shadow over the longstanding bond between our peoples and undermine the spirit of African solidarity that binds our two nations,” the minister stated.
She emphasized that Nigeria expects stronger commitment and accountability from South African authorities to ensure that justice is delivered in all pending cases, while also calling for better protection of Nigerian citizens and businesses in South Africa.
Responding, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Anna Moraka, described the concerns raised by Nigeria as valid and assured that her government does not condone any form of violence, discrimination, or mistreatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
“I would not do justice if I don’t address the burning issue in this session today, wherein you have outrightly highlighted the ill-treatment of your Nigerian citizens that are in South Africa by a group called Dudula Dudula. I need to assure you, the people of Nigeria, that the position that is championed by Dudula Dudula is not the South African Government position.
“South Africa has always been welcoming to our brothers and sisters, including the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I want to assure you, Your Excellency, and the entire population of Nigeria, that the issues that you have raised are receiving the necessary attention back in South Africa under the leadership of His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa. We are going to intensify the issue of safeguarding our foreign brothers and sisters who are in South Africa through legitimate means. We are a welcoming country. We are loving and warm people, and we want to encourage our people who want to come to South Africa that let us do that through legal means,” Moraka stated.
Both countries harped on the importance of strengthening bilateral ties in key sectors such as trade, investment, mining, technology, energy, defense, and security. They also called for reforms in global governance institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, to give Africa a stronger voice and representation in global decision-making.
The meeting, which was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Yamaka Goso, Chief Director for West Africa, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, provided a platform to review the implementation of resolutions reached during the 11th Session of the Nigeria–South Africa Binational Commission, BNC, held in Cape Town from November 28 to December 3, 2024.
Tuesday’s event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU on Early Warning Mechanism, aimed at strengthening communication, improving response to emerging issues, and preventing future misunderstandings between both countries.
