Attack Not Xenophobic, Says South Africa’s High Commissioner to Nigeria

  • Monroe says the attack is a sporadic act of violence.
  • Nigerian Commission calms for calm.

South Africa’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Bobby Monroe has said the attack on Nigerians and other African nationals is not xenophobic.

Speaking during a press briefing with Nigeria’s foreign affairs ministry headed by Geoffery Onyeama in Abuja on Tuesday, Monroe, who denied the reports described it as  ‘sporadic acts of violence’ adding that businesses belonging to other South Africans were also affected in the violence.

Earlier, the Nigeria High Commission in South Africa has responded the recent attacks via a statement on Tuesday urging all Nigerian victims in South Africa to come forward to report their situation to the High Commission as a list of victims is being compiled.

READ: Nigeria Will Take Definite Action Against Xenophobia – Onyeama

According to the statement, the High Commissioner, Ambassador Kabiru Bala, said with the list of the victims complied, the Commission will then hold Diplomatic talks with the South African government.

“The High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria views with concern the ongoing loss of lives, arson, and looting of properties in some parts of Gauteng Province of South Africa.

“Some of the victims of the anarchy are Nigerians and other Africans,” part of the statement reads.

He further stated that the two Missions will continue to be home to all Nigerians in this trying times and in the future.

“Since the outbreak of the attacks last week, the two Missions have remained open and continued to render normal services to Nigerians and other customers without hindrance.”

READ: ‘You Are Xenophobic Arch-racist’, Femi Fani-Kayode Blasts South Africa Minister Over Comment on Xenophobia

While appealing to all Nigerians to remain calm and avoid any ‘precipitate action.’ adding that any action taken hurriedly that may jeopardise the “arduous task of engaging the South African government through diplomatic channels to bring the situation under control and to restore normalcy.”

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