‘Fake’ Nigerian president picketed
BINATIONAL AT UNION BUILDINGS: ‘BIAFRANS’ CALL FOR RESTORATION OF ‘THEIR COUNTRY’
People describing themselves as Biafran nationals, accuse Muhammadu Buhari of being a fraud.
Police fire teargas, rubber bullets to disperse Union Buildings protest.
Ahandful of people describing themselves as Biafran nationals, with placards accusing Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari of being a fraud, were dispersed outside Union Buildings by Johnnesburg metro police, allegedly using teargas and rubber bullets yesterday.
The Biafrans were camped out yesterday afternoon as President Cyril Ramaphosa and Buhari were presiding over the South Africa-Nigeria binational commission in Pretoria.
The Republic of Biafra existed as a state in West Africa from May 30, 1967 and comprised states in southern Nigeria. Biafra’s declaration of independence from Nigeria resulted in a civil war, with the inhabitants of Biafra being mostly Igbo. Biafra rejoined Nigeria in 1970.
Some placards described Buhari as an imposter and called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to send him home. The Biafrans claimed the “real Buhari” died in 2017.
Placards with the message: “Biafrans have the right to self-determination, asking for Biafra to be restored is not a crime”, were seen as officers attempted to control the surprise picket.
Officers opened fire in an effort to restore order.
Ramaphosa and Buhari were meeting to improve trade relations and enhance cultural ties between the two countries.
Speaking at the Union Buildings, Ramaphosa apologised to the Nigerian president for the violence. This was followed by Buhari condemning the violence against his countrymen in South Africa and calling for measures to prevent it happening again.
Ramaphosa responded: “We would like to assure you that South Africa is committed to the ideals of African unity and solidarity and to respect the human rights of others.”
Last month, an outpouring of xenophobic violence resulted in a number of Nigerians leaving South Africa to return home.
“While we are working to address the economic and social conditions that have given rise to frustration and anger among some of our people, we firmly condemn all forms of intolerance and will not hesitate to act against criminal acts and violence,” Ramaphosa said.
The visit marks the 20th anniversary of the binational commission, through which formal relations have been conducted between the two African powerhouses since 1999. Ramaphosa said the visit would strengthen these relations further.
“Our meeting today presents us with an opportunity not only to review the general state of our bilateral relations, but to make a firm determination for the ties between our two countries to be strengthened.”
He emphasised his aim to create a closer, strategic relationship with Nigeria, as well as other African countries.
“It is this very strong bond that should compel our two nations to forge ahead in the creation of a much stronger, prosperous and peaceful Africa,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that economic relations also needed to be strengthened, highlighting conducive conditions for trade between the two countries. The SA president also noted the visit would be used to strengthen the battle against violence, extremism and corruption in Africa, and coordinate efforts to evaluate the impact of climate change on both countries. – Additional reporting by News24 Wire