The South African government does not agree with Nigeria’s sentiment that recalling their two diplomats is “usual practice”.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Clayson Monyela said that it is absolutely not normal practice to recall an ambassador.
“They summoned their high commissioner and consulate general as well, no one does that innocently and it’s not normal practise,” said Monyela.
This comes after the Nigerian government recalled its ambassador to South Africa, stating that the two had been called for consultation over the recent xenophobic attacks.
Nigerian Foreign minister Aminu Wali said that the two senior diplomats were invited for “consultation” and promised that they would return to work but Monyela believes they are sending a wrong message.
“You are sending a message that you are protesting against certain things and that’s why we asked in our statement we are not sure which actions of the South African government they are protesting against. What are these things?” asked Monyela.
Monyela said that the Nigerian government is now backtracking and he believes they will reinstate the two senior diplomats.
“You saw that they are trying to back paddle, the reason why you are calling me is because they are now saying ‘no these people were called for consultations, it wasn’t necessarily a recall’. It’s an attempt to do damage control.
“I am sure these people will be back by next week. I am not sure when but they will be back,” he said.
Monyela said that should the Nigerian government not reinstate the two officials, they will wait until the new government, under President Muhammadu Buhari takes over and fix relations with them.
He said that the South African government wants to maintain a healthy relationship with Nigeria.
“The current administration is outgoing anyway, there’s a new administration that will take over. The inauguration of the new president is on the 29th of May.
“We will consolidate our relationship with Nigeria. They are important, they are strategic, important not only in our national interest but also in the context of African agenda. Its important for South Africa and Nigeria to work together and we will work on that.”
Recalling of ambassadors by Nigeria is not normal practice: SA government
The South African government does not agree with Nigeria’s sentiment that recalling their two diplomats is “usual practice”.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Clayson Monyela said that it is absolutely not normal practice to recall an ambassador.
“They summoned their high commissioner and consulate general as well, no one does that innocently and it’s not normal practise,” said Monyela.
This comes after the Nigerian government recalled its ambassador to South Africa, stating that the two had been called for consultation over the recent xenophobic attacks.
Nigerian Foreign minister Aminu Wali said that the two senior diplomats were invited for “consultation” and promised that they would return to work but Monyela believes they are sending a wrong message.
“You are sending a message that you are protesting against certain things and that’s why we asked in our statement we are not sure which actions of the South African government they are protesting against. What are these things?” asked Monyela.
Monyela said that the Nigerian government is now backtracking and he believes they will reinstate the two senior diplomats.
“You saw that they are trying to back paddle, the reason why you are calling me is because they are now saying ‘no these people were called for consultations, it wasn’t necessarily a recall’. It’s an attempt to do damage control.
“I am sure these people will be back by next week. I am not sure when but they will be back,” he said.
Monyela said that should the Nigerian government not reinstate the two officials, they will wait until the new government, under President Muhammadu Buhari takes over and fix relations with them.
He said that the South African government wants to maintain a healthy relationship with Nigeria.
“The current administration is outgoing anyway, there’s a new administration that will take over. The inauguration of the new president is on the 29th of May.
“We will consolidate our relationship with Nigeria. They are important, they are strategic, important not only in our national interest but also in the context of African agenda. Its important for South Africa and Nigeria to work together and we will work on that.”
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