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Agree on AU Elections and Joint Position on Middle East Crisis
The governments of Nigeria and South Africa have agreed to finalize a five-year-old Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Early Warning Mechanism by March 2025.
This mechanism aims to monitor and address threats of violence, criminal acts, and reprisals involving citizens of both countries.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town. The meeting, co-chaired by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, emphasized strengthening bilateral relations and addressing shared challenges.
Finalizing the MoU
The Early Warning Mechanism was proposed following attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. Both nations have since worked to harmonize contentious areas, agreeing to finalize and sign the MoU during the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation’s visit to Nigeria in March 2025.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, who read the communiqué, highlighted the urgency of this agreement.
Economic Cooperation and Trade
The two leaders welcomed ongoing economic cooperation, including significant South African investments in Nigeria and encouraged reciprocal Nigerian investments in South Africa. They also committed to leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote balanced trade between the two nations.
The communiqué emphasized the need to foster a business-friendly environment, address food and nutrition security, and enhance digital connectivity. Nigeria and South Africa agreed to collaborate on advancing artificial intelligence, expanding digital literacy, and strengthening data protection and online safety measures.
AU Elections and Mutual Support
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to equitable representation within African Union (AU) institutions.
They pledged mutual support for AU elections, including South Africa’s endorsement of Nigeria’s Ambassador Bankole Adeoye for re-election as AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, and Nigeria’s backing of Ms. Swazi Tshabalala for President of the African Development Bank.
The leaders also reiterated their dedication to implementing the AU Agenda 2063 and fostering peace and security across the continent.
Regional and Global Collaboration
Discussions included Nigeria’s role in promoting peace within ECOWAS and South Africa’s efforts through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to support stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and northern Mozambique.
Both nations expressed concern over the Sudan conflict and underscored the importance of silencing the guns in Africa by 2063. Additionally, they reaffirmed their support for Western Sahara’s self-determination and decolonization.
Middle East Crisis and Global Issues
On the Middle East crisis, Nigeria and South Africa adopted a joint position advocating for an immediate ceasefire, adherence to international humanitarian law, and the pursuit of lasting peace.
South Africa’s assumption of the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2024, was also acknowledged. Nigeria commended South Africa’s focus on inclusive economic growth, industrialization, food security, and innovation during its tenure.
The communiqué concluded with both nations reaffirming their commitment to enhancing their strategic partnership for mutual benefit and global development.
