Leveraging Citizen Diplomacy to Resolve Bilateral Tensions: A Comparative Analysis of Nigeria-South Africa Relations in the Context of Migration and Economic Competition.

Nigeria and South Africa share a complex bilateral relationship shaped by historical ties, economic competition, and migration-related tensions. This study explores the dynamics of their interactions, focusing on the socio-economic and political factors that influence their partnership. Drawing on a narrative literature review and primary data from key informant interviews with 15 institutional and diplomatic stakeholders, the research highlights the persistent challenges of xenophobia, trade imbalances, and competing aspirations for regional leadership. Despite these tensions, the study indicates that institutional stakeholders perceive citizen diplomacy as a potentially viable mechanism for conflict resolution. Through cultural exchange programs and grassroots economic initiatives, citizen-driven efforts can foster mutual understanding and collaboration. The proposed Bilateral Tension-Diffusion and Citizen Resolution (BTD-CR) model, grounded in established citizen diplomacy and conflict transformation theory, integrates historical, economic, and social dimensions, positioning citizen diplomacy as a central strategy for mitigating tensions and promoting sustainable cooperation. The paper offers a comprehensive analysis, contributing to existing scholarship by highlighting underexplored issues, such as systemic challenges faced by Nigerian migrants and the untapped potential of regional frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. The findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions and collaborative strategies to strengthen bilateral relations. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers and scholars seeking to address the complexities of Nigeria-South Africa relations.

Nigeria-South Africa relations, citizen diplomacy, migration tensions, economic competition, conflict resolution

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