You must stop attacks, Jonathan tells South African govt : as Nigerians remianed indoors

The Federal Government on Thursday warned South Africa to stop the attacks on

foreigners, asking that appropriate measures be put in place to “prevent a recurrence.”

Also, the Nigerian Representative to the African Union – Economic, Social and Cultural Council, Dr. Tunji Asaolu, warned against reprisals, calling on African countries to unite against the xenophobic violence currently going on in South Africa.

A statement by the Public Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, condemning the attacks which, it said, began two weeks ago, said it abhorred violence and also “stand firm in its conviction that no cause could justify taking innocent souls.”

It reads in part, “The people and government of Nigeria stand in solidarity with the rest of the world to condemn these unprovoked attacks on fellow Africans, who have left countries to seek greener pastures and better livelihood for themselves.

“The government of Nigeria would like to use this medium to reiterate its abhorrence of violence and also stand firm in its conviction that no cause could justify taking innocent souls.

“The Federal Government therefore calls on the government of South Africa to live up to its responsibilities and take all necessary steps to stop the ongoing xenophobic attacks and put in place policies and structures to prevent a recurrence.

“It is gratifying to note, however, that the South African President has condemned the attack. In addition, the city of Durban has also organised rallies against xenophobia.”

Asaolu, who is also the Chairperson, Social Affairs of Health cluster committee, in a statement in Abuja, also called on the South African government to do all within its ability to stop the violence and protect all foreigners in the country.

He said, “Other African countries must rise to support the South African government at this time. African countries must unite to ensure that there will be no repeat of 2008 scenario, where about 62 people were killed. We understand what the government is going through now and we express our sympathy.”

Nigerians in S’Africa asked to remain indoors

Nigerians resident in South Africa have been directed to remain indoors up until the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country is put under control.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of a meeting he attended at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the directive was handed down to them by the nation’s mission in Pretoria despite the fact that no Nigerian has so far been reported to be affected in the attack.

He said, “With the discussions I have been having with Nigeria’s Head of Mission in Pretoria, no Nigeria has so far been affected. ‎

“They informed me that they have called members of the Nigerian community and addressed them and told them to close their shops, stay home and keep out of trouble and obey the laws of South Africa.

“They have also confirmed that the South African authority have moved in to take actions that would forestall any further disturbance in South Africa.”

Wali however said the Federal Government would not hesitate to evacuate Nigerians from the country if the situation worsens.

“If it (the situation) gets worse, it is the duty of our country to make sure our people are brought back, and we are taking that duty serious.

“We are not prepared to allow any of our nationals to be subjected to such inhuman treatment.

“We are not being reactionary because this is happening to all foreigners, not Nigerians alone. We are monitoring the situation and will now take action according to the situation that develops,” he said.

On the investigation ordered by the President on the recent diplomatic row between Nigeria and Morocco over whether indeed Jonathan spoke with King Mohammed VI on the telephone as claimed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wali simply said, “We are still at it.”