Tinubu Snubs South African Envoy Over Xenophobic Attacks on Nigerians

In a bold move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has refused to meet with a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This decision comes on the heels of a series of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. According to reports by Daily Sun, a South African delegation led by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja on Friday, July 24, bearing what was described as a 'very important message' for President Tinubu. However, the President declined to receive them. This development is closely linked to the recent killing of a Nigerian national, Chika Ibe, who was allegedly tortured to death by personnel of the South African Police Service (SAPS) after being picked up from his residence in Cape Town. Nigeria has consistently taken a strong stance against xenophobic violence in South Africa. At the recently concluded 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Sierra Leone, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, condemned these attacks and pledged Nigeria's commitment to pushing for stronger measures against xenophobia at the African Union.