South Africa apologizes to Nigeria over deportations

South Africa on the map

The South African government has issued an apology to the Nigerian government over the deportation of its citizens from the Johannesburg Airport, a gesture that was equally reciprocated by the Nigerian authorities causing a diplomatic row between the two countries.

“We wish to humbly apologize to them, and we have,” South Africa’s deputy foreign minister, Ibrahim Ibrahim, told reporters. “We are apologizing because we deported a number of people who should not have been deported.”

Two officials from the Nigerian High Commission were present at the news conference at South Africa’s foreign ministry but refused to comment beyond a joint statement that described reciprocation of a deportation gesture. The two countries have however said the row will not sour the sweet relationship they share.

On March 2, South Africa deported 125 Nigerians who, according to airport health authorities, carried fraudulent yellow fever cards. Since then, authorities in Lagos, raising health concerns, have deported South Africans.

Ibrahim said South African airport authorities did not properly check to determine whether the cards were authentic.

Nigeria Foreign Minister Olugbenga Ashiru, speaking to members of the National Assembly on Tuesday, linked the deportations to what he called the “xenophobia” faced by Nigerian immigrants living in South Africa who fear police who arrest them without cause.

"What you see playing out is what we call xenophobia by South Africans against all Africans -- not just Nigerians -- including even those from their neighbouring countries," Ashiru added.

Ibrahim rejected Ashiru’s charge.

“We are not a xenophobic country,” Ibrahim said Thursday.

A wave of violence in South Africa few years ago that left scores injured and about 62 people dead further fueled the xenophobic claims. Most of those attacked during the violence were foreigners, Nigerians inclusive, competing for housing and jobs.

The Nigerian Foreign Affairs ministry had sought an unreserved apology from South Africa over the deportation of its citizens or risk a ban on all diplomatic and bilateral relations.

South Africa unveils new immigration procedures

"We apologise for this unfortunate incident and we hope this matter will not in any way affect our bilateral relations," deputy foreign minister Ibrahim Ibrahim told reporters in Pretoria.

"We've put into place certain mechanisms to ensure this doesn't happen again, and we believe that this matter is closed," he added.

"We are in contact with the embassy in Nigeria, to see that there are no longer problems, and that any difficulties over vaccination certificates are dealt with before a visa is issued."

He did not expect an apology from Nigeria over its retaliatory actions, he said. "We understand the reaction of the Nigerian authorities."

He said South Africa was considering reopening a health clinic at the airport to ensure such deportations are not repeated.

The authorities agreed to re-open an airport clinic that would allow travellers to receive yellow fever vaccines on arrival; and to require a foreign ministry official's consent before immigration authorities turn away large groups of travellers.

"Cabinet expressed shock and regret at the reports regarding how African foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, and other nationals from other parts of the world have been treated" at Johannesburg's main airport, minister in the presidency Collins Chabane told reporters in Cape Town earlier Thursday.

South Africa's ambassador also called the Nigerian foreign ministry over the issue.

Friday's deportation incident in South Africa prompted Nigeria's Arik Air to suspend its flights to Johannesburg, though it has since resumed its service.

still in need of some information? search this site:

LOVE THE ARTICLE ABOVE?
Receive Updates: subscribe to Imo Herald in a reader or sign up for Free Email Updates