Luanda, Angola: Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, warning that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the dehumanisation or mistreatment of its citizens.
Shettima spoke to journalists in Luanda shortly before departing Angola for Nigeria, where he had represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).
The Vice President said Nigeria remained committed to resolving its concerns with South Africa through dialogue and peaceful engagement, but stressed that the government would continue to speak firmly whenever the dignity and safety of Nigerians were threatened.
“Those whose palm kernels were cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble. We were part of the struggle for the liberation of our brothers and sisters in Southern Africa, and we feel personally pained that our people have been picked up for humiliation,” Shettima said.
He maintained that Nigeria’s historical contribution to the liberation struggles in Southern Africa made the treatment of Nigerians in the region particularly painful.
He added that the Nigerian government would no longer accept situations in which its citizens are subjected to what he described as unacceptable treatment.
“The government and people of Nigeria will no longer countenance a situation whereby our people are dehumanised and put into very, very unacceptable situations,” the Vice President said.
Despite the strong warning, Shettima emphasised that Nigeria preferred dialogue and constructive engagement with South Africa rather than actions that could escalate tensions between the two countries.
“But we believe in having very robust conversations with our South African brothers. We don’t want to overheat the polity, but once in a while, you have to make it very clear, vehemently clear, that certain situations are unacceptable, and we’ll work things out,” he said.
The Vice President also called on South African authorities to ensure that the enforcement of immigration laws does not result in violations of human dignity or threats to the lives and safety of foreign nationals.
He stressed the need for immigration policies to be implemented in a manner that protects lives and upholds the dignity of Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa.
Shettima’s comments come amid Nigeria’s continued concern over the treatment of its citizens in South Africa and the broader issue of xenophobia and Afrophobia affecting African migrants.
The Vice President subsequently departed Luanda for Nigeria after concluding his engagements at the AU summit.