South Africa has dismissed Nigeria’s call for compensation for Nigerians whose properties were left behind following evacuations triggered by renewed xenophobic violence, according to TheCable.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, South Africa’s minister in the presidency, rejected the demand, stating that all legitimate properties are formally registered while informal settlements are illegal.
She instead asked Nigeria to provide information on locations allegedly used for drug-related activities, saying: “We’ll be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are… so they can show us where they have been holding the drugs so that we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently.” She insisted there will be “no compensation that will come from government.”
Key Points:
Diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa are escalating
South Africa’s response dismisses the plight of fleeing Nigerians
The “drug dens” remark reinforces negative stereotypes about Nigerians
Legally registered property owners can sell assets in the South African market
Informal settlement residents have no legal recourse for lost property
Nigeria’s demand for compensation has been firmly rejected. The situation highlights the growing strain in bilateral relations between Africa’s two largest economies.
Sources: The Cable, Vanguard
