Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has held high-level discussions with senior South African government officials and political party leaders on issues affecting Nigerians and other African migrants living in South Africa.
The meetings followed Obi’s engagement with Nigerians in Cape Town and focused on immigration concerns, regional cooperation, economic challenges, and peaceful coexistence between Nigeria and South Africa.
Among the officials Obi met were Leon Schreiber, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs and a leading figure in the Democratic Alliance; Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP); and Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
According to Obi, the discussions were frank and productive, centering on issues such as migration pressures, youth unemployment, economic hardship, security concerns, and rising tensions involving African foreigners in South Africa.
He emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, describing both countries as major pillars of the African continent whose relationship is critical to regional stability and development.
Obi stated that both sides agreed on the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence, respecting the rule of law, and discouraging violence, hate speech, and xenophobic actions.
The former Anambra State governor also stressed that grievances should be addressed through lawful democratic institutions rather than through attacks or provocation against foreign nationals.
The meetings come amid longstanding concerns over xenophobic violence and anti-immigrant tensions in parts of South Africa, where Nigerians and other African migrants have at times faced hostility linked to economic frustration, unemployment, and crime concerns.
Political analysts say Obi’s diplomatic engagement reflects increasing efforts by African political leaders and public figures to promote dialogue and reduce tensions between citizens of different African nations.
Observers also note that Obi’s meetings with leaders across multiple South African political parties highlight the growing importance of regional political engagement and citizen diplomacy in addressing continental challenges.
Obi concluded by emphasizing that Africa’s future depends on unity, economic inclusion, and protecting the dignity of Africans regardless of where they reside on the continent.
