By Muhammad Hamisu
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Idi Hong, has condemned the recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, urging the country’s citizens to reconsider their actions and embrace African unity.
Speaking during an edition of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programme Insight, monitored by The Newsprint on Sunday, Dr. Hong described the attacks as “an act of barbarism” and said fellow Africans should be treated as partners in development rather than enemies.
He recalled Nigeria’s leading role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, arguing that the sacrifices made by Nigerians and the Nigerian government in support of South Africa’s liberation should not be forgotten.
According to him, South Africans have failed to learn from history by targeting citizens of countries that stood firmly behind their freedom struggle.
Dr. Hong urged African countries to consider diplomatic and economic measures, including the boycott of South African products and businesses, to pressure the country into addressing the attacks.
He expressed disappointment that the violence allegedly occurred in the presence of South African security personnel, whom he accused of failing to protect victims.
The former minister also backed the position of Adams Oshiomhole, who recently called for decisive action against the continued attacks on Africans in South Africa.
Citing the operations of MTN Group in Nigeria, Dr. Hong suggested that South African companies could face sanctions if the attacks persist.
In a strongly worded remark, he said he wished South Africans could experience the isolation they once faced under apartheid to understand the value of international solidarity.
He also argued that the attacks undermine the principles of both the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union, which promote cooperation and mutual respect among African nations.
It will be recalled that Nigeria previously evacuated more than 1,000 of its citizens from South Africa following earlier waves of xenophobic violence.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has warned that any retaliatory attacks against South African nationals or businesses in Nigeria would be treated as criminal acts and dealt with according to the law.