Nigeria-South Africa Relations from Apartheid to Post-Apartheid

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue XII, December 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Nigeria-South Africa Relations from Apartheid to Post-Apartheid

Dr. Tamunopubo Big-Alabo & Dr. Emmanuel C. MacAlex-Achinulo
Department of Political and Administrative Studies,
University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT:- This study examined the relations between Nigeria and South Africa from the period of Apartheid to Post-Apartheid. The study was guided by realist conflict theory by Donald Campbell. The study adopted ex-post research design while data was collected through secondary source such as textbooks, journal articles, newspapers, magazines and internet materials, the data generated was analyzed through content analysis. The findings of the study showed that there were some relations that existed between Nigeria and South Africa during the period of Apartheid which includes; bilateral political relations and bilateral economic relations. In a likely manner there have been breaches in relations between Nigeria and South Africa during the post-apartheid era which now has negative impacts in the areas of political and diplomatic, socio-cultural and economic. Based on the findings the study recommended among others; that there should be high level diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa as a way out of mending their unbecoming relation that had existed between the two countries and the government of South Africa should assist individuals from Nigeria that have incurred losses to rebuild their businesses that had resulted from the attacks.

Keywords: Apartheid, foreign policy, diplomacy, xenophobia.

INTRODUCTION:- From the time Nigeria had her independence in 1960, Africa has stayed at the center of Nigeria’s foreign policy. This center of its foreign policy saw the state obligating herself fanatically to the decolonization of African continent and obliteration of racial discrimination and dominance. According to Onouha (2008) the first opportunity for Nigeria to implement her foreign policy on anti-colonialism was made available by the Shapeville massacre of 21st March 1960. During the occurrence, the white South African police assaulted South African blacks daring racial discrimination and dominance. This event which impelled the demise of 72 blacks with many wounded marked the start of Nigeria’s diplomatic conflicts with South Africa. This incident and other awful ethnic occurrences in South Africa saw Nigeria initiating the call for political and economic penalties that are not in favor of the apartheid in South Africa in the international community. Instances where the suspension of South Africa from the commonwealth in 1961 and the foisting of trade embargo under the backing of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) which is presently Africa Union (AU). Nigeria was contributory to the call for complete suspension of South Africa by the international community. As a result of the force mounted by Nigeria and different nations of the world, Non-government Organizations and influential people, the racist government of South Africa crushed in 1991. With the death ofracial discrimination in 1991, the need for amendment in diplomatic policies arose. (Onuoha, 2008). The level of the solidarity, backing and sacrifice which the government and personages of Nigeria displayed in the journey for the termination of racial discrimination and the enthronement of popular government and majority rule in South Africa was with the end goal line that Nigeria, not caring about the geographical distance, ended up distinguished as a forefront nation. At the commencement of majority rule system in South Africa, Nigerians, mainly the professionals, were a part of those that began to relocate to South Africa.

Read More