Nigeria has recalled its Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Kabiru Bala and also pulled out of World Economic Summit holding in Cape Town on Wednesday.
News Agency of Nigeria NAN quoted a senior presidency source as saying that Nigeria also demanded full compensation for the loss of life and property of Nigerians affected by the xenophobic attack.
However, the FG clarified that this would be after the special envoy President Muhammadu Buhari sent to President Cyril Ramaphosa, would have concluded the assignment and reported back to the President.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, who gave an update on the government’s stance on the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, said that envoy was expected back to Nigeria by the “end of the week.”
On the recall of the high commissioner, Onyeama stated that it was one of the options considered long before now, adding that it was the wish of the government that the ambassador had returned home already.
He stated, “It’s one of the options; that he should come back. But, he will come back after the special envoy has returned to brief Mr President.”
But, on Nigeria’s participation at the World Economic Forum on Africa to be held in Capetown, South Africa, from September 4 to 6, the minister confirmed the country’s withdrawal.
He stated that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo was delegated by Buhari to attend the summit, but explained that the President later asked him to withdraw, following the xenophobic attacks.
The minister cited the examples of Congo, Rwanda and Malawi, who leaders had also withdrawn their participation.
Onyeama also said information available to the government so far indicated that not a single Nigerian had been killed so far.
However, he admitted that their property was vandalised, a reason the government demanded compensation payments.
