By RFPosted on 03-10-2019Modified on 03-10-2019 at 21:58
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa receives for three days his Nigerian counterpart, Muhammadu Buhari. A state visit mainly devoted to trade between the two heavyweights of the continent, although the xenophobic violence last month in South Africa were at the heart of the trade this Thursday morning.
At a joint press conference on Thursday morning, the two presidents reiterated their determination to expand trade and investment between countries. But also to fight against xenophobic violence.
" Through our discussions and through various high-level engagements, we had the opportunity to reflect on the public violence that took place in South Africa a few weeks ago, " President Ramaphosa wrote on Twitter. .
President #Ramaphosa: In the course of our discussions, and through various high-level commitments, we have had an opportunity to reflect on the public
South Africa a few weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/vBLYQcSL6Q
In his speech, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his deep regret for the violence that has targeted foreigners in his country. " We condemn all forms of intolerance and will not hesitate to act against any form of violence, " added the South African head of state.
Condemnation also of the Nigerian President. Muhammadu Buhari demanded that measures be taken: " We call for the reinforcement and application of the necessary security measures to prevent this kind of incident from being repeated. Incidents that undermine not only strong bilateral relations, but also what we stand for: strong and prosperous. "
A strong and prosperous Africa, the tone is given for this visit. This latest wave of xenophobic attacks has provoked sharp tensions between Pretoria and Abuja and is weighing on the relations between the two main economic sectors of the continent. Two countries that are already competing to be the continent's leading economic power.
Trade down
Economic agreements were also on the agenda of the visit. Nigerian President worries about South African protectionism. " We have expressed to the South African government the need to lift its trade barriers to facilitate the entry of Nigerian companies and businessmen into the market. "
" Our economic ties continue to grow, " the South African president told Twitter. Nigeria accounts for 64% of South Africa's total trade with the West Africa region and is one of our major trading partners on the continent . "
President #Ramaphosa: Our economic ties continues to grow.
Nigeria accounts for 64 percent of South Africa's total trade with the West African Region and is one of the largest trading partners on the continent. # NigeriaInSA 🇳🇬🇿🇦 #BetterAfricaBetterWorld pic.twitter.com/ytyoJz3qyz
Nigeria accounts for 17% of Africa's Gross Domestic Product, and 16% for South Africa. The exchanges between them two countries are important. South Africa exports mainly chemicals, auto parts, plastic to Nigeria and imports oil. But these exchanges have been declining for a few years.
These xenophobic incidents weigh on these exchanges, including trade. During the latest violence in September, several hundred shops owned by foreigners were looted in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Nearly a thousand Nigerians have left South Africa. And in Nigeria, several large South African brands, such as telecommunications giant MTN or Shoprite distributor, were targeted in retaliation. Abuja has repeatedly demanded compensations to compensate its citizens in South Africa, which has always been denied by Pretoria.
90% of Nigerian traders who were attacked could not get their business back. For some, their businesses have been destroyed, others looted, some have even been injured and are still recovering.
The South African government has been very clear, it will not compensate us, it's up to us to have insurance. So we hope that this topic will be addressed during this visit. In any case, the Nigerian government will push for compensation. If no diplomatic solution is found, we will see if we should bring the case to justice.
Adetola Olubajo
03-10-2019 - By Alexandra Brangeon
In this context, it is important to remember also that South Africa and more recently Nigeria have signed the agreement on the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to boost trade between the countries of the continent. This agreement is expected to come into force in less than a year. South Africa can not hope to expand its trade if it does not end its xenophobic attacks on its own territory.
On the same subject
Nigerian President Buhari Visits South Africa in Tense Context
Nigeria: after the violence, the sadness of returnees from South Africa
Xenophobic Violence in South Africa: Nigerians' Anger on Departure
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