Xenophobic Attacks: South African Envoy in Nigeria Rules-Out Compensation for Victims

In what may further inflamed the already incensed sensibility of Nigerians, South African High Commissioner recent pronouncement that the South African Government is not looking towards compensation for the victims of xenophobic attacks rather the government is working on providing adequate security for lives and property. Ambassador Lulu Mnguni said “for now we are presently working on providing adequate security for lives and property”

He avoided making any commitment when the Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa led House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora met with him to register the concerns of the House on the wave of violent attacks going in his country. 

This official pronouncement by South Africa clearly goes against the clamour and desire of most Nigerian who are demanding compensation for all the victims of senseless killings and unprovoked attacks.

Protesters across Nigeria are united in their calls for justice and adequate compensation by South African Government for all victims irrespective of their nationality. Some passionate ones have also issued threats and threatened to attack South African business interests in Nigeria like MTN, Multichoice DSTV and Shoprite among other known brands.

One wonders where in first place were the security authorities in South Africa and Government of Jacob Zuma, who were said to be aloof while their misguided youth killed and maimed innocent and hapless African. If the government of South Africa had taken prompt and proactive action against the rampaging youth, the damage would have been minimal” Some public commentators and analysts reasoned.

 

Meanwhile, at a press conference the telecom giant in Nigeria, MTN said he is putting up a package of assistance to those affected and would reach-out to them soon.