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Nigerian Minister Urges Pretoria to Halt Xenophobia at Abuja Talks

7/28/2026

25 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Minister Sola Enikanolaiye urged Pretoria to halt xenophobic attacks on Nigerians during Abuja talks on July 27, 2026.
He reported that Nigerians were evacuated and killed in South Africa since 2022.
President Bola Tinubu reportedly declined a South Africa envoy, prompting HURIWA to demand compensation and the African Union to issue statements deploring violence after police allegedly stood by as mobs attacked foreigners.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 xenophobic riots that killed 62 foreigners and prompted President Thabo Mbeki to deploy 5,000 police officers set a precedent for recurring anti-immigrant violence. In May 2026, Operation Dudula-linked protests again targeted Nigerians, prompting Minister Sola Enikanolaiye to demand Pretoria halt the attacks. The pattern has strained South Africa’s ties with Nigeria and the African Union.

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Story summary

Minister Sola Enikanolaiye urged Pretoria to halt xenophobic attacks on Nigerians during Abuja talks on July 27, 2026.
He reported that Nigerians were evacuated and killed in South Africa since 2022.
President Bola Tinubu reportedly declined a South Africa envoy, prompting HURIWA to demand compensation and the African Union to issue statements deploring violence after police allegedly stood by as mobs attacked foreigners.

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