Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has revealed details of high-level engagements with South African ministers and political leaders aimed at addressing growing concerns surrounding immigration, regional cooperation, and the treatment of African foreigners in South Africa.
Obi disclosed this in a statement shared on Saturday after meeting with Nigerians in Cape Town, South Africa, where he also held separate discussions with three senior South African government officials and political party leaders.
According to him, the meetings centred on strengthening relations between Nigeria and South Africa while seeking practical solutions to issues affecting citizens of both countries.
“I was able to have meaningful discussions this morning with three South African ministers and political party leaders regarding the ongoing challenges related to immigration, regional collaboration, and fostering peaceful coexistence between our nations,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor said he met with Mr Leon Schreiber, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs and a leading member of the Democratic Alliance; Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP); as well as Mr Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
Obi described the discussions as “productive and candid,” noting that they focused on pressing issues such as migration, economic hardship, youth unemployment, insecurity, and increasing tensions involving African migrants living in South Africa.
“Our conversations were productive and candid, focusing on the current challenges that affect both countries—particularly those related to migration, economic strains, youth unemployment, security issues, and the rising tensions faced by African foreigners in South Africa,” he said.
He stressed the need for stronger diplomatic engagement and collaboration between both nations, insisting that dialogue and mutual respect remain critical to preserving peace and stability on the African continent.
“I firmly believe that Nigeria and South Africa, both prominent African nations, must enhance dialogue, bolster cooperation, and seek solutions based on justice, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law,” Obi stated.
“In challenging times, leaders and citizens alike need to demonstrate responsible leadership, compassion, and restraint.”
The former presidential candidate also said all parties involved agreed on the need to discourage violence, hate speech, and provocation, while encouraging lawful and democratic means of addressing grievances.
“We collectively stressed the importance of law-abiding behaviour, avoiding violence, resisting hate or provocation, and allowing lawful institutions to address grievances through democratic and constitutional processes, regardless of the challenges we face,” he added.
Obi further maintained that Africa’s development depends largely on unity, economic inclusion, and the protection of the dignity of Africans irrespective of where they reside.
“The progress of Africa hinges on our ability to create unity, foster economic inclusivity, invest in our communities, and uphold the dignity of every African, no matter where they live,” he said.
