Nigeria recalls envoy to S Africa over migrant attacks

Nigeria has recalled its ambassador to South Africa in the latest sign of African countries’ discontent at Pretoria’s handling of attacks on immigrants.

Acting High Commissioner Martin Cobham and Deputy High Commissioner Uche Ajulu-Okeke had been asked to return to Nigeria for consultations on Saturday, a statement by the Nigerian foreign affairs ministry said.

“The invitation is in connection with the ongoing xenophobia in South Africa targeting foreigners, mainly African migrants,” the statement said.

Seven people in South Africa have been killed in attacks on migrants since March 20, when South Africa’s Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini spoke out against foreign workers.

“Let us pop our head lice,” he said. “We must remove ticks and place them outside in the sun. We ask foreign nationals to pack their belongings and be sent back.”

He has since said those remarks were taken out of context and that he opposes violence.

Earlier this week, Nigeria summoned South Africa’s high commissioner over the unrest as protesters picketed the South African embassy in Lagos.

A Nigerian group has called for the International Criminal Court to investigate Zwelithini for “hate speech”.

South Africa has deployed troops to try to quell the violence, after criticism by nations including China and Zimbabwe for failing to protect their citizens against armed mobs.

South African firms such as mobile phone giant MTN and supermarket chain Shoprite have significant interests in Nigeria, which is Africa’s biggest economy.