Nigeria recalls ambassador to South Africa

Nigeria has recalled its Ambassador to South Africa, Kabiru Bala, and also pulled out of the World Economic Summit holding in Cape Town on Wednesday, an official told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The presidential source also told NAN that Nigeria demanded full compensation for the loss of life and property of Nigerians affected by the xenophobic attack.

The demand for compensation was one of the two main demands by the Nigerian government from its South African counterpart following the xenophobic attacks against Nigerians. Apart from compensation, Nigeria also demanded an improved security mechanism to ensure such attacks no longer occur.

A top presidency official confirmed to newsmen that the ambassador had been recalled and that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was due to travel to South Africa for the economic summit, had cancelled the trip…When contacted, Garba Shehu, President Buhari’s spokesperson, said he was yet to be briefed on the matter.

There has been a flurry of diplomatic activities between the two countries since tension over xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa escalated following the report of fresh attacks on Saturday.

On Tuesday, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Bobby Moroe, over the attacks.

The presidency also announced on Tuesday that President Muhammadu Buhari would be sending an envoy to South Africa on the issue.

It was earlier reported how Shoprite malls were attacked in Lagos and Ibadan on Tuesday.

(Credit: PREMIUM TIMES)