Xenophobic attacks: Nigeria government issues travel advisory, pulls out of WEF in South Africa

IN the wake of fresh xenophobia attacks on foreigners in South Africa especially Nigerians, the Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a travel advisory calling on Nigerians to avoid the south African nation over the renewed attacks that have claimed many lives and businesses.

This is just as the country has joined several other nations to pull out of the World Economic Forum (WEF) slated for Cape Town, South Africa, from September 4 to 6.

In a Press Release No/MFA/PR/2019/41 issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by Ferdinand Nwonye, the advisory is due to the tension it has created and has advised travelers in South Africa to avoid high risk and volatile areas.

The statement read, “The Federal Government of Nigeria totally condemns the renewed attacks on foreign nationals and their businesses in South Africa which has led to the loss of lives and properties worth millions.

“The government of Nigeria is engaging the relevant South African authorities via the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, Consulate General in Johannesburg and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja to ensure that definite measures are put in place to curtail the unfortunate attacks.

“However, due to the tension created by the attacks the government of Nigeria wishes to advise Nigerians to avoid travelling to high risk and volatile areas until the situation is brought under control.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure the general public that government is committed to protecting lives and properties of Nigerians in South Africa,” it read.

Meanwhile following the attacks, Nigeria has recalled its Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Kabiru Bala and has also pulled out of the World Economic Summit.

The pull out of the country from the World Economic Summit was meant to register serious displeasure with the South African authorities over the ongoing xenophobic attacks on Nigerians resident in South Africa.

The decision was taken at a morning meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday in Abuja, our Correspondent added.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, also attended the meeting at the Presidential Villa.

Nigeria joins Congo, Rwanda and Malawi, who have since exited the Summit.