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Nigeria officially recalls its ambassador
Nigeria recalled its ambassador Uche Ajulu-Okeke and High Commissioner Martin Cobham.
JOHANNESBURG - Nigeria has withdrawn its High Commissioner to South Africa following deadly attacks on foreigners that left seven people dead.
Three weeks ago, xenophobic violence flared up in KwaZulu-Natal then spread to Gauteng.
At one point the Abuja government was reportedly considering severing diplomatic ties in the mistaken belief that the xenophobic violence is specifically aimed at Nigerians in South Africa.
Nigeria recalled its High Commissioner Martin Cobham and ambassador Uche Ajulu-Okeke.
It's the latest sign of African countries' discontent at South Africa's handling of attacks on immigrants.
The Nigerian senate met earlier this week, and condemned the attacks on its own expatriates as well as on immigrants from other African countries.
The senate wants Cobham to return to Nigeria to consult the National Assembly on the situation in South Africa.
It also wants the Nigerian minister of Foreign Affairs to brief a senate committee on measures taken to protect the lives and Nigerian property.
The statement by Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Ministry states that the action, which is the strongest form of protest short of cutting diplomatic ties, is in connection with the on-going xenophobia in South Africa targeting foreigners, mainly African migrants.
Protestors are picketing outside the South African diplomatic mission in Lagos.
South African firms such as mobile phone giant MTN and supermarket chain Shoprite have significant interests in Nigeria, which is Africa's largest economy.
Yesterday, Nigeria asked the South African government for compensation for the victims of the xenophobic attacks.
The South African High Commissioner in Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, said he has been in consultations with the foreign affairs department.
He added that that while ties between the two countries are strong the South African government must protect the lives of foreigners.
"They have been asking for compensation and I said there is nothing I can say about that because we are focusing on securing lives."
LISTEN: Home affairs minister on the latest xenophobia.
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