Senior officials from Nigeria and South Africa met in Abuja on Monday to discuss escalating anti-migrant violence in South Africa, with both sides describing themselves as “brothers” despite sharp disagreements over the crisis.
Nigeria accused Pretoria of failing to protect foreign nationals, saying documented Nigerians had been attacked during the unrest. South African police say at least four foreign nationals have been killed, while an AFP tally indicates more than 160,000 foreigners have left the country, including about 1,500 Nigerians.
South Africa rejected claims of complicity, insisting the government opposes xenophobia but has the right to tackle irregular migration and criminal activities, including drug trafficking and wire fraud. Nigeria and Ghana have been among the most vocal critics of South Africa’s handling of the unrest.