For fear of reprisal attacks from Nigerian youths, the South Africa High Commission in Nigeria has shut down its offices and consulate.
The acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Bobby Moroe, confirmed the development to reporters on Thursday morning, saying that he had directed the Mission to suspend all consular activities until the situation improves.
The Ambassador explained that the reported attacks on South Africans in parts of Nigeria informed the decision to close down the Mission.
Moroe added, “I directed that the Mission should be closed until the situation improves. We heard that South Africans were being pulled out of vehicles and attacked. We feel unsafe and that is why I directed that the mission should close down until further notice.”
Also, South African Foreign Affairs Minister, Naledi Pandor while speaking with Reuters, said South Africa is in constant contact with Nigerian authorities to try to restore calm, adding there is no provision in local law for compensation for damage caused in the attacks.
“There is an Afrophobia we are sensing that exists, there is resentment and we need to address that,” Pandor said on the sidelines of a continental economic conference in Cape Town.
