Nigeria, South Africa set deadline to finalise early warning MoU

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Nigeria and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, setting March 2025 as the deadline to finalise a long pending Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on an Early Warning Mechanism aimed at preventing violence, criminal acts, and reprisals involving citizens of both nations.

Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson in a statement said the decision was part of the resolutions from the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), co-chaired by Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town.

The proposed MoU, first introduced five years ago in response to attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, is expected to be signed during the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation’s visit to Nigeria for political consultations in March 2025.

The leaders emphasised the importance of harmonizing contentious areas and strengthening cooperation between their Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

Both countries lauded the robust economic ties, including significant South African investments in Nigeria and growing Nigerian investments in South Africa.

The communiqué underscored the importance of fostering an enabling environment for businesses, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to promote balanced trade and economic growth.

Nigeria and South Africa pledged to align their positions on the upcoming African Union elections, advocating for equitable representation and development-focused leadership.

South Africa solicited Nigeria’s support for Ms Swazi Tshabalala’s candidacy for African Development Bank President, while Nigeria sought South Africa’s backing for the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.

Both nations are committed to tackling shared challenges, including food security, digital connectivity, artificial intelligence, and data protection.

They also renewed their resolve to promote peace and security across the continent, citing efforts by ECOWAS and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.

The presidents voiced concern over the ongoing conflict in Sudan and reaffirmed their support for the self-determination of Western Sahara.

Amid the escalating Middle East crisis, Nigeria and South Africa jointly called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy. They emphasised the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian laws.

Additionally, Nigeria congratulated South Africa on its recent assumption of the G20 Presidency, lauding its priorities of inclusive economic growth, industrialization, and technological innovation.

The leaders reiterated their dedication to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, particularly its aspiration to “Silence the Guns.” They pledged to work closely with the AU and other partners to foster peace, development, and sustainable growth across the continent.