Fri. Feb 7th, 2025
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Nigeria and South Africa have agreed to finalize a long-pending Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing an Early Warning Mechanism to prevent violence and criminal acts involving their citizens. The MoU, initially conceived five years ago, is now set to be signed by March 2025.

It was outlined in a communiqué issued after the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Early Warning Mechanism was proposed following a series of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and also to strengthen bilateral coordination in addressing such incidents.

According to Senior Special Adviser to President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, both nations are now committed to harmonize all outstanding issues to ensure the agreement is finalized during a visit by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Nigeria scheduled for early 2025.

The communiqué, presented by South African Minister, Ronald Lamola, emphasized the importance of deepening strategic cooperation between the two countries. Both leaders highlighted the significant economic ties between Nigeria and South Africa, celebrating investments in each other’s economies and encouraging further collaboration. In addition, both countries pledged to enhance trade relations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), focusing on balanced trade and leveraging opportunities for mutual growth.

Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa also outlined plans to advance digital connectivity, promote artificial intelligence leadership, and improve data protection and online safety. Joint programs to address food and nutrition security were also discussed.

On the security front, both leaders reiterated their commitment to promoting peace and stability across Africa and pledged to align their positions in the African Union. They also pledged to continue supporting the Agenda 2063 vision of a peaceful and prosperous continent.

The two nations condemned the escalating conflict in Sudan and advocated for a peaceful resolution in Western Sahara and also expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic resolution. Nigeria commended South Africa’s assumption of the G20 presidency, especially lauding its priorities of inclusive economic growth and innovation.

The leaders also vowed to cooperate on international appointments, with Nigeria supporting South Africa’s candidate for the African Development Bank presidency and South Africa backing Nigeria’s nominee for the African Union Commission.

Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to fostering African unity and strengthening regional institutions and emphasized the urgency of peace-building efforts in conflict zones such as Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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