Buhari’s visit to SA vital

NIGERIA: MIXED FEELINGS OVER RECENT TRIP

Ramaphosa’s invitation was to help ease tensions between the two largest economies in Africa.

There were mixed feelings among Nigerians over President Muhammadu Buhari’s state visit to South Africa because of the recent xenophobic attacks in the country.

While many Nigerians disapproved of the visit, Buhari’s government insisted that it was imperative to go ahead. Their argument was that it was vital for the two countries to continue working together.

The recent attacks sparked angry reactions in Nigeria. Some Nigerians called for severing relations with South Africa or imposing additional taxes on South African companies in Nigeria.

They claimed these actions would serve as an ample response to the xenophobia and also send a signal to South Africa that xenophobia is unacceptable.

But others argued that there was a need to mend the relationship so that the two countries could prevent further chaos. Buhari heeded these calls, clearly choosing to tread the path of reconciliation when he visited South Africa.

His visit is important for three main reasons.

First, to protect the close economic ties between the countries; second, the Nigerian government wants to be seen as proactively protecting its citizens abroad and, lastly, because the South African government had to do something to mend fences with its important ally.

One of the main drivers behind President Cyril Ramaphosa’s invitation, and Buhari’s visit, was the need to ease tensions between the two largest economies in Africa.

There are deep economic ties both ways. Over 120 South African companies operate in Nigeria, ranging from mobile operators to retailers.

South Africa, on the other hand, is a significant buyer of Nigerian oil. There are also a significant number of Nigerian businesspeople, professionals and other migrants in South Africa.

Any further escalation would not only hurt the relationship but also threaten the economies of both countries.

Also, the Nigerian government has been previously accused by the Nigeria Union South Africa (Nusa) of not protecting its own citizens abroad. The visit could therefore be seen in context of addressing the displeasure of Nigerians at home and also to assure those living in SA that the government takes their welfare seriously.

For his part, Ramaphosa certainly made all the right noises. He reiterated South Africa’s “deep regret” over the violence and assured Nigerians living in the country of adequate protection.

The visit could also help SA address tensions with other aggrieved African countries. These include Rwanda, Malawi and Democratic Republic of Congo. All have threatened to cut ties with South Africa over the attacks.

Although Nigeria and SA are often cast as rivals, they have a strong bilateral relationship founded over the decades.

This springs in part from Nigeria’s historical role in its support for the liberation struggle against apartheid. Nigeria provided support, as well as financial backing for the ANC during its campaign against the apartheid regime.

Ajala is associate lecturer and conflict analyst, University of York – Republished from TheConversation.com