Nigeria rejects dehumanisation of citizens in South Africa

Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the dehumanisation or mistreatment of its citizens abroad, specifically addressing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.

Speaking to reporters in Luanda, Angola, following the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, Shettima expressed personal pain regarding reports of Nigerians being humiliated. He emphasized that while Nigeria remains committed to resolving tensions through robust dialogue and peaceful engagement rather than escalating conflict, the government will make its position clear when the dignity and safety of its people are threatened.

Shettima urged South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity during the enforcement of immigration policies. He noted that Nigeria’s history of supporting liberation struggles in Southern Africa should serve as a foundation for better relations, stating that what unites Africans is greater than their differences.