Nigeria and South Africa set March 2025 deadline for agreement on violence prevention

Nigeria and South Africa have agreed to urgently finalize the five-year Memorandum of Understanding on the Early Warning Mechanism, which monitors threats of violence, acts of criminality and reprisals involving nationals of both country.

The decision was revealed on Tuesday in a communiqué issued at the end of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Binational Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, South Africa.

President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa co-chaired the meeting.

Following attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, the two countries agreed to establish an early warning mechanism to prevent such attacks.

According to a statement by Nigerian Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, ahead of the 11th BNC meeting, both sides agreed to harmonize all contentious areas, conclude and present at the 11th session of the BNC.

The joint statement, read by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said the two leaders stressed the urgent need to finalize the memorandum of understanding.

“To this end, it was agreed that the Memorandum of Understanding would be signed no later than March 2025, during the visit of the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Nigeria for political consultations,” said Lamola.

Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa welcomed ongoing negotiations to secure other new deals.

According to the statement, the two leaders renewed their commitment to work closely to expand and sustain bilateral relations between the two countries to strengthen strategic cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit.

“In this regard, the Heads of State and Government ordered the various ministries, departments and agencies to deepen their cooperation within the framework of the BNC.

“The heads of state and government welcomed the high levels of economic cooperation between the two countries.

“In this regard, they welcomed the significant investments by South African businesses in Nigeria and encouraged corresponding Nigerian investments in the South African economy.

The joint statement said: “The leaders recognized the need for both countries to create a favorable business environment.”

Regarding the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which Nigeria and South Africa have ratified, the two leaders pledged to work towards increased and balanced trade between the two countries using opportunities offered by the agreement.

Nigeria and South Africa also agreed to collaborate on programs aimed at addressing mutual challenges in food and nutrition security, strengthening meaningful digital connectivity and taking the lead in the development of artificial intelligence.

They also committed to expanding digital literacy initiatives and prioritizing data protection and online security for all citizens.

Nigeria and South Africa have affirmed their determination to coordinate their positions on the upcoming African Union elections to ensure the election of candidates committed to advancing the continent’s development agenda.

They reiterated their mutual support for equitable representation within African Union institutions, which reflects the continent’s diversity of perspectives.

South Africa has congratulated Nigeria on the reappointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General of the World Trade Organization, with both countries agreeing to work closely in international organizations.

South Africa has sought Nigeria’s support for its candidate, Ms Swazi Tshabalala, for the post of president of the African Development Bank.

Similarly, Nigeria has sought South Africa’s support for the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

The Heads of State and Government committed to working closely with the African Union and each other to advance the African agenda in the further implementation of Agenda 2063.

Nigeria highlighted its efforts, as well as those of other members of the ECOWAS bloc, to foster and promote peace and security.

South Africa also highlighted efforts undertaken by the Southern African Development Community to support peace initiatives in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and northern Mozambique.

“The delegations also stressed the need to redouble efforts to realize the aspiration of the African Union Agenda 2063 to “silence the guns”.

“In this regard, the Heads of State and Government expressed concern over the devastating conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure and property and a humanitarian crisis.”

Likewise, the two presidents agreed to intensify their support for Western Sahara’s cause for self-determination, freedom and justice.

Nigeria congratulated South Africa on its assumption of the presidency of the G20 on December 1, 2024. It congratulated South Africa on its priorities: inclusive economic growth, industrialization, reduction of inequalities, food security, artificial intelligence, data governance and innovation.

Faced with the escalation of the crisis in the Middle East, the two countries adopted a common position calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy.

They stressed the importance of upholding international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians and promoting lasting peace in the region.