Nigeria’s Buhari to Send Envoy to South Africa Over Violence

(Bloomberg) -- Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari sent a special envoy to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following reported attacks on Nigerian citizens and property in Johannesburg.

Buhari also summoned the South African High Commissioner to seek assurances of the safety of Nigerians, his special adviser, Femi Adesina, said in an emailed statement Tuesday.

South Africa has been hit by an outbreak of attacks on migrants from other African countries as the nation prepared to host a meeting of political and business leaders from across the continent this week. That’s due to be attended by Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who also condemned the violence.

Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa Leave Migrants Living in Fear

“It is sad and very unfortunate that the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians living in South Africa are once again being destroyed with such wantonness carelessness and recklessness,” he tweeted.

The attacks also come ahead of a planned state visit by Buhari to the country next month.

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