Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on the Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, tells TOBI AWORINDE that the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa have prompted a review of the diplomatic relations between both countries
The xenophobic situation in South Africa has been a long-standing problem. Why has it now escalated into a massacre?
Xenophobic matters in South Africa have always been there. It didn’t just start overnight. Once you get to the airport as a black foreigner, for instance, and they notice that you don’t speak their language, they start name-calling: kwere kwere, which is a very derogatory term—worse than being called a nigger. Xenophobic matters have always been there. And there have always been cases of attacks and discrimination against Blacks in South Africa.
The (House of Representatives) Committee on Diaspora has visited South Africa a few times and intervened in matters relating to discrimination. For example, we were in some South African prisons to meet Nigerians there. Some, who had finished serving their sentences, were still kept in prison, after serving their sentences, etc. Therefore, it has always been an issue in South Africa.
What role did the Nigerian embassy play in protecting its citizens?
The Nigerian embassy tried within its circumstances. Messages were sent to Nigerians in South Africa and through some Diaspora associations for Nigerians to stay indoors, avoid certain areas and work within groups, and the good thing is that Nigerians heeded. Nigerians have always been victims of derogatory circumstances in South Africa, but this time, they were prepared to defend themselves.
Do you think the South African government has done enough to protect the lives of Nigerians and other African migrants in the country?
They could do a lot more. What could also be done to further prove intolerance for discrimination by the South African government is that those found guilty must be punished, and openly so. Then victims must be compensated. Also important is the need to educate the younger and ignorant low-income Blacks in South Africa who are not aware or do not understand their history as well as the roles and contributions of other African countries towards the independence of South Africa. Thus, massive and intense political education would go a long way.
What should have been the initial reaction of the South African government?
The Zulu king should have immediately retracted the statement he made. And he should also have apologised. He should have quickly called for calm, retracted his statement and apologised. But, I was told that for four days, the local stations were barred from broadcasting the news. The local media blocked the news. It only came to the fore through the international media channels.
Do you feel retaliation may be necessary?
I would not use the word ‘retaliation’. Two wrongs cannot make a right. I don’t believe in that. It does not allow for growth. However, there is the diplomatic principle of reciprocity. For instance, South Africa imposed a N100,000 deportation fee on Nigerians and Nigeria did same. Respect begets respect. That’s reciprocity and not retaliation. Retaliation enhances continuous retrogression. And don’t forget again that xenophobic attacks are carried out by ignorant lower-class South Africans against Blacks and not at the South African government level. That is the more reason why massive political education is required. South Africa and other African countries must also address poverty issues and other underlying factors that lead to such actions from citizens. Underlying all these is the need for good, purposeful and corruption-free leadership in Africa.
Would you advise Nigerians to boycott South African companies in Nigeria?
I don’t think so. That is why I said we shouldn’t be talking about retaliation. I don’t think we should boycott these businesses now. Subsequently, we can be looking at reviewing trade and protocol agreements with South Africa, but at this point in time, I do not think the solution to that problem is just boycotting South African companies in Nigeria.
Subsequently, however, as a country, we can review our relationship. In that light, we can then be talking about reviewing our trade and protocol agreement because right now, it is one-sided. Those businesses they set up in Nigeria, they (South Africa) won’t allow us to set up in South Africa. For instance, as a Nigerian, you cannot have StarTimes or any other home-grown equivalent of DStv set up in South Africa. The kind of big businesses that we are allowing in Nigeria, South Africa would not allow from Nigeria. So, we have to look at that trade and protocol agreement and make sure that it is balanced. However, the solution now is not to say we should boycott their businesses.
Many believe South Africa’s reaction to the summoning of Nigeria’s envoys was undiplomatic. Do you share the same view?
I don’t think South Africa was angry. Rather, I believe they were surprised that Nigeria did anything this time around. If Nigeria demands the number of Nigerians that have been killed by the South African police in the last couple of years, everyone would be shocked at the number. Nigerians in South Africa made noise; they shouted and pleaded but Nigeria said nothing. We didn’t demand justice for our citizens. You would be shocked if you do an inventory of how many Nigerians have been killed in the last two or three years by the police in South Africa, not even by robbers or by its citizens. But what did Nigeria do? Nigeria kept quiet. Now, there was a xenophobic attack in which no Nigerian was actually killed, but Nigerians were attacked and they made a lot of noise in the international community before Nigeria took this action. So, they are surprised. All these years, we left South Africa to do anything they wanted. We didn’t take any action all these years. So, the blame is on us. As a country, we have not been firm enough. As a country, our Federal Government has not taken decisive steps or been decisive in its foreign policy.
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