South Africa Slams Nigeria For Football Safety

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of South Africa on Tuesday, February 6, described the advisory issued by the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria as “unfortunate”.

DIRCO South Africa, in a statement, said the advisory is regrettable “as it seems to create alarm and unnecessary tension between South African citizens and Nigerians living in or visiting South Africa.

The relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s largest economies and regional powerhouses, has historically been complex and multifaceted. While both countries share common interests and aspirations for economic growth and regional stability, they have also experienced periodic tensions and disagreements, particularly concerning issues such as trade, immigration, and the treatment of foreign nationals.

The recent warning issued by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria underscores the underlying concerns regarding the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens living in South Africa. Nigeria has previously expressed apprehension over incidents of xenophobic violence targeting African immigrants, including Nigerians, in South Africa. These incidents have strained relations between the two countries and sparked diplomatic interventions to address the root causes of violence and discrimination against foreign nationals.

The response from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of South Africa characterizes the advisory issued by the Nigerian High Commission as “unfortunate.” While acknowledging Nigeria’s concerns for the safety of its citizens, South Africa asserts that the advisory may have unintended consequences, such as fueling perceptions of insecurity and undermining efforts to promote cooperation and understanding between the two countries.

South Africa maintains that it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all foreign nationals within its borders, including Nigerians, and has taken steps to address the underlying causes of xenophobic violence and discrimination. However, the response from DIRCO suggests that there may be differences in perception and approach between the two countries regarding the severity of the situation and the appropriate course of action to address it.

Recall that the Nigerian High Commission had warned its citizens living in South Africa to “be watchful of their utterances, be mindful of where they choose to watch the match, especially in public places, and refrain from engaging in loud, riotous, or provocative celebrations should the Super Eagles win.’’

The warning is coming on the heels of xenophobic attacks against citizens of other African nations, Nigerians included, leading to the loss of lives and destruction of their property in South Africa by South Africans.

In its response, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) in a statement on Tuesday, said the Nigerian High Commission had only raised a false alarm and caused unnecessary tension as there was “no history of soccer hooliganism among South Africans” in previous encounters between both sides.

Dirco added, “We are confident that the sports-loving nation of South Africa poses no threat to Nigerian citizens, and we do not agree with the apprehension expressed by the high commission. The advisory is regrettable because it seems to create alarm and unnecessary tension between the citizens of South Africa and Nigerians living in or visiting South Africa.’The recent exchange between Nigeria and South Africa underscores the importance of effective communication, diplomacy, and cooperation in managing bilateral relations between African countries. While differences may arise, both nations must remain committed to resolving issues through peaceful means and fostering a relationship built on mutual trust, respect, and collaboration. Only through dialogue and engagement can Nigeria and South Africa overcome their differences and work together towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all Africans.

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