South Africa government has disclosed on Thursday that it has closed its diplomatic missions in the Nigerian cities of Abuja and Lagos following violence carried out against South African businesses in reprisal for attacks on foreign-owned stores in Johannesburg.
The decision was made known by it’s foreign ministry spokesman, Lunga Ngqengelele.
“After receiving reports and threats from some of the Nigerians, we decided to temporarily close while we are assessing the situation,”
“So we will be monitoring the situation and when we see it necessary to open, we will re-open,” he said.
He further stated that the decision to suspend operations at the two missions was made after a group of peope came and tried to force themselves in at the Lagos consulate.
“It was on those bases that we felt we need to protect the employees and shut it down”.
Both countries stepped up security on Wednesday after deadly attacks on foreign-owned stores in Johannesburg triggered reprisals against South African businesses in Nigerian cities.
