SA and Nigeria move to ease tensions as special envoy meets President Tinubu over crime and diplomacy

Special Envoy Ronald Lamola concluded his diplomatic mission to Abuja, delivering President Cyril Ramaphosa’s message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during candid talks to restore mutual goodwill amid tensions.

Tinubu designated a high-level Nigerian government delegation to engage in structured talks with the South African delegation led by the special envoy.

The discussions were candid, constructive, and forward-looking, focusing on restoring mutual goodwill and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

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During the visit, Lamola delivered an official message from Ramaphosa to Tinubu, outlining three specific areas of concern that have heightened recent tensions.

The purported installation of an unrecognised traditional ruler, titled an Igbo King, in the Eastern Cape Province in March 2026, caused widespread public concern across South Africa. Lamola emphasised that this occurred while South Africa is actively consolidating the constitutional role of traditional leadership in a post-apartheid society.

Concerns were also raised regarding the involvement of certain foreign nationals, including Nigerian citizens, in organised crime, illicit drug trafficking, and financial fraud.

As of July 7, more than 500 Nigerian nationals had been processed through the South African criminal justice system for various offences, highlighting the need for enhanced cross-border security co-operation.

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Lamola further addressed instances where law enforcement officers faced violent resistance or obstruction during criminal investigations.

Specific concern was raised regarding hijacked residential and commercial properties in urban centres, such as Hillbrow, Johannesburg, and Sunnyside, Pretoria, where unlawful enclaves have compromised public safety for local residents and foreign nationals alike.

“Regrettably, these incidents have fuelled negative perceptions surrounding Nigerian nationals living in South Africa over the years. Addressing these challenges firmly, fairly, and within the bounds of the law, is vital for the well-being of both our nations.”

Both delegations reviewed feedback regarding the processing and arrest of the Nigerian nationals in South Africa.

Lamola clarified that these law enforcement measures are evidence-based, targeting individual criminal conduct rather than profiling the broader, law-abiding Nigerian diaspora.

The Nigerian delegation acknowledged the necessity of holding lawbreakers accountable, while emphasising the importance of guaranteeing constitutional due process, fair trial standards, and humane treatment for all detainees.

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Both sides agreed on the urgent need to de-escalate inflammatory rhetoric in public discourse and prevent hostile actions.

Lamola emphasised that the South African government unequivocally condemns all forms of xenophobia, racism, discrimination, and related intolerance.

While crime and lawlessness will be met with the full force of the law, public frustration or criminal activity can never be used to justify vigilante violence, intimidation, or attacks against foreign nationals.

“Law enforcement remains the exclusive prerogative of the state. While South Africa will not tolerate criminal activity by any individual regardless of nationality.

We equally will not permit vigilante action or xenophobic violence against foreign nationals residing in our country. To this end, arrests have taken place and relevant investigations are still underway.”

Lamola reiterated that shared migration and public safety challenges are best resolved through formal diplomatic channels, institutional security partnerships, and strict adherence to constitutional rights.

The two governments reaffirmed that bilateral diplomacy and Pan-African solidarity remain the essential frameworks to ensure peaceful coexistence, safeguard human rights, and deepen historical ties between South Africa and Nigeria.

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