For years, diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa has been quite cordial. This cordial relationship between the two countries can be traced back to Nigeria’s instrumental role during South Africa’s liberation struggle against Apartheid regime, which was spearheaded by Nelson Mandela. Mandela who is highly regarded and revered by South Africans as well as the international community even once described Nigeria as the greatest ally of South Africa.
This means that the two countries enjoyed cordial bilateral relations until now, when certain unfortunate developments have begun to threaten this enviable relationship. The relationship between the two countries could be said to have become sour, when in the past few days the Nigerian government deported 44 South Africans on arrival at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Abuja. This act according to the Nigerian government was a retaliatory measure for what it described as “humiliated and ill-treatment” of Nigerians by South Africa, following the deportation of 125 Nigerians last Friday at the point of entry into Johannesburg.
The South African immigration authorities was said to have deported the Nigerians for alleged use of fake Yellow fever certificates. Also, the Nigerian Minister for Foreign affairs Olubenga Ashiru, who appeared before the National Assembly on the issue, said the South Africans were also deported was because of improper documentation of their Yellow fever card as well. He went ahead to say that it was also a retaliation to what he described as the “xenophobic tendencies” of the South Africans. The minister alleged that South Africans have the phobia that people are coming into their country to take away their wealth, jobs and livelihood.
All these are happening after prolonged mutual understanding and respect between Nigeria and South Africa, which was evident in the immense support that Nigeria gave towards the struggle for the independence of South Africa. Anybody familiar with the history of the relationship between the two countries would therefore not only develop a feeling of disappointment but will begin to perceive the dangers that the emerging conflict portends for the whole of Africa.
Certainly, the recent deportation game between the two countries will not augur well for both of them. It should be realized that the call by the Nigerian Senate for the cut of diplomatic ties with South Africa by instructing the closure of Nigeria’s embassy in South Africa and vice versa, and the federal government’s threat to South African companies like MTN, Shoprite, Massmart and Stanbic IBTC Bank in which South Africa has a major stake is outrageous and uncalled-for.
As serious as these issues in contention appear, it is still important and even morally compelling for the two countries to adopt positive posture so that such issues can be resolved amicably. The two countries should handle the situation with maturity, and do not let it escalate. Leaders of the two countries should sit on a round table, engage in dialogue, understand each others’ differences and grievances and arrive at a solution that will be both practicable and beneficial to the feuding parties in particular and Africa as a whole.
Nigeria and South Africa should realize that they represent Africa’s greatness as they possess the most glaring potentials for prosperity, which can only be nourished in an atmosphere of peace and cordiality between them. There cannot be a worse disappointment than the current rift that is threatening to pull Africa’s greatest assets further apart.
At a time when individual African countries and the whole continent are facing serious challenges coming mainly from the western world, it will amount to a clear suicidal mission for the two countries to engage in a conflict that will event become an ill-wind to all Africans. The earlier the rift is resolved the better for Nigeria, South Africa and all African countries.
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