President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has notably declined to accept a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This decision comes in response to escalating concerns regarding recent xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians and other African nationals within South Africa.

On July 24, a South African delegation led by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja bearing a “very important message” for President Tinubu. This development follows the tragic incident involving the alleged killing of Chika Ibe, a Nigerian national, who was reportedly taken from his home in Bellville, Cape Town, and subsequently tortured to death by officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

In light of these occurrences, Nigeria has adopted a strong stance against the xenophobic attacks occurring in South Africa. During the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Lungi, Sierra Leone, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, condemned the attacks and asserted Nigeria’s commitment to advocating for more rigorous actions against xenophobia at the African Union.