South African government has shut down its embassy located in Lagos due to Xenophobia. This was as a result of the series of attacks unleashed on South African owned businesses by Nigerians in retaliation to the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
The embassy shut down its office in synchrony with the other South African owned businesses, which have been attacked and looted in the past few days. ENCA, quoting the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s, Lunga Ngqengelele, stated that purpose of shutting down the embassy was hinged on the protection of its employees.
“The decision to shut down the embassy is out of concern for the safety employees of the embassy,”
Read also: Xenophobia: 5 Nigerians’ retaliatory response
South African xenophobic attacks and Nigerians’ retaliatory response have spread beyond borders as leaders of some African countries boycotted the World Economic Forum holding in Cape Town.
However, former minister of education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Nasir El-rufai, Kayode Fayemi and the Emir of Kano were spotted in South Africa attending the forum. This action has enraged deep resentment from Nigerians, both on social media and news outlets.
Presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, took to his handle on Twitter to criticize the decision of the former minister of education to attend the forum while in fact, she was not the only one in attendance. Obiageli Ezekwesili, however, made an attempt to justify her trip by stating on her Twitter page that her decision to be in South Africa was thoroughly considered.
Governor Fayemi, on the other hand, denied the allegations that his presence in South Africa was for the World Economic Forum. Kanmi Olatoye, Senior Special Assistant (Electronic Media) to the governor stated in a statement that the governor’s visit to South Africa was not for the forum, rather it was based on a private invitation from a “long-time friend”