South African government has distanced itself from the statement made by the spokesman of the Department of International Relations And Cooperation (DIRCO), Clayson Monyela, on the recall of Nigeria’s envoy over xenophobic attacks.
Briefing the media along with other members of the Inter-ministerial Task Team on Tuesday, the Minister in the Presidency, Jeff Radebe, said the statement was not the official position of the South African government and that South Africa maintains a cordial relationship with Nigeria.
“I will reiterate our position, we still have cordial relations with all the members of the African Union… very cordial relations with the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Radebe said.
Unfortunate And Regrettable
Monyela had released a statement criticising Nigeria’s decision to recall its High Commissioner to South Africa for discussions about the xenophobic attacks and impact on Nigerians in the nation.
“It is unfortunate and regrettable that a sister country like Nigeria would take such an action even when it is clear that the government of South Africa is taking steps to stop the attacks on sovereign nationals,” Monyela said on Sunday.
The statement revealed that the Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, had just returned from Indonesia to attend the Africa-Asia Summit and the 60th Anniversary of the historic Bandung Conference and the Nigerian delegation present at that gathering did not express an intention “to formally raise the issue” with the South African side.
It, however, stated that “South Africa would remain committed to a strong bond of friendship and bilateral relations with Nigeria”.
Xenophobic attacks that started on March 20 after a Zulu king, Goodwill Zwelithini, made a statement against foreigners working in South Africa.
He said he was taken out of context.
After several deaths were reported, Nigerian lawmakers advised the presidency recall the envoy for briefing.
