According to international reports, the President of Nigeria will be visiting South Africa’s leaders on October 3. The meeting comes after a series of xenophobic attacks that took place on the African migrants which have instigated many African nations. The tension increased ten folds leading to an unusual airlift in order to rescue hundreds of Nigerians back to their homeland. The two nations are expected to put behind the tensions and mutually discuss economic cooperation. 

Nigeria and South Africa to come together

The bilateral engagement between the Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will mark the meeting of the two nations with the biggest economy in Africa. As per reports, there were more than  $3.3 billion of trade between the two nations in 2018. The talks between the leaders of the two nations might undo the long-term rivalry. However, South Africa has been putting efforts to improve relations with Nigeria and the governments of other African nations. This comes amid strong criticism faced by South Africa for not taking a stand against the xenophobic attacks initially and rather categorizing the act of violence as a crime. 

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Xenophobic attacks in South Africa

Johannesburg and Pretoria, the capital of South Africa reported the killings of more than 12 people and more than 700 were taken into custody after bands of South Africans propelled attacks against those who belong to the other African countries. The foreign-owned shops were smashed, the stalls were looted and burned. The people went violent attacking the small shopkeepers. The attacks were termed as ‘sickening’ by Nigeria’s foreign minister. After the attacks, the South African government decided to shut down all its diplomatic missions in Nigeria, due to the safety concerns of the officials. It was reported that the South African telecommunication giant MTN was attacked in Lagos, Nigeria.  

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South Africa 'totally committed' to mend ties with the African nations 

However, South Africa's leader currently says his government is “totally committed” against assaults on people of other nations. He recognizes dissatisfaction about the nation's high unemployment and slow economy however, he insisted the citizens not to take out their frustration on the foreigners. Episodes of viciousness against Nigerians and residents of other African countries have normally escalated in South Africa lately, with some South Africans blaming outsiders for selling illegal drugs or taking the jobs. The assaults on Nigerians have prompted feelings of aggression against South African organizations working together in Nigeria, with numerous individuals requiring their closure. There have been several incidences of violence in South Africa against the foreigners, which is in contrast to the treatment given to the black South Africans. They were however supported in their long fight against the apartheid, which was abolished in 1994. 

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