Fani-Kayode Rules Out Diplomatic Break with South Africa Despite Rising Xenophobic Attacks

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has ruled out the possibility of Nigeria severing diplomatic relations with South Africa over recurring xenophobic attacks, calling for a return to the Pan-African ideals that helped end apartheid.
Fani-Kayode made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at the inaugural Nigerian Fair held at the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, amid growing concerns over attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development said xenophobic sentiments had no place in a continent whose history was shaped by solidarity, cooperation and a shared struggle against racial oppression.
He urged South Africans to embrace Pan-Africanism, stressing that the liberation struggle against apartheid was not fought by black South Africans alone but received significant support from across the African continent.
“It wasn’t a black South African struggle. It was a struggle that every nation in Africa, led primarily by the frontline states and Nigeria, and every decent, civilised nation in the world supported,” he said.
The high commissioner recalled Nigeria’s historical contribution to the anti-apartheid movement, arguing that the sacrifices made by African countries should serve as a reminder of the need for unity rather than hostility.
His comments come amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians and other African migrants, have repeatedly faced threats, harassment and violence.
The attacks have strained relations between Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s largest economies, while prompting calls for stronger diplomatic intervention and better protection of foreign nationals.
Fani-Kayode’s position signals a preference for diplomatic engagement and African solidarity rather than a breakdown in relations between the two countries.
Nigeria and South Africa have maintained significant political, economic and diplomatic ties since the end of apartheid, with both countries playing influential roles in continental affairs.
The renewed calls for Pan-African unity are expected to add to the debate over how African governments can address xenophobia while protecting their citizens living and working across the continent.