We can take the conflict to their territory... Nigeria warns South Africa amid escalating tensions

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

The senator launched Nigerian Abdul Ningi issued a striking warning about the potential for escalating tensions with South Africa, against the backdrop of increasing attacks targeting foreign nationals, saying that his country “could take this fight to their territory,” in a reference to the possibility of retaliation.

Ningi's remarks came amid a growing wave of anger within NigeriaThe attacks on foreigners, including Nigerians, have sparked widespread reactions, prompting officials and politicians to demand stricter measures to protect citizens abroad.

Observers believe that such statements could increase diplomatic tensions between the two countries, especially given a history of friction related to the issue of violence against foreigners in South Africa.

Calls for enhanced protection and urgent action

These developments coincided with growing calls within the African continent for more effective measures to ensure the safety of foreign nationals, amid demands for enhanced security and diplomatic cooperation between African countries to contain the crisis.

Analysts warn that continued escalation could affect bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa, two of the continent's largest economies, calling for swift diplomatic action to contain the situation and prevent it from worsening.

South African ambassador summoned 

Earlier, the Nigerian government summoned South Africa’s ambassador over xenophobic attacks in the country, the foreign ministry said.

A week ago, Ghana’s foreign ministry also summoned South Africa’s ambassador to Accra over “xenophobic incidents” targeting Ghanaians.

South Africa, with its manufacturing-dependent economy on the African continent, is a destination for African workers, both registered and unregistered.

But with unemployment at 30 percent, South Africa has seen waves of anti-foreigner and anti-immigrant protests, with violence against them escalating in recent weeks.

South Africa’s acting police minister last week condemned the violence against migrants, describing attacks on foreigners as “illegal” and violating the country’s constitutional values of dignity and equality.

“Acts of xenophobia, violence, looting or intimidation will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Firoz Kashalia said in a statement.