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 prevent threats of violence, criminal activities, and reprisals involving nationals of both countries.
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The decision was announced at the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, co-chaired by Presidents Bola Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa.
The MoU’s urgency stems from past attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, prompting both nations to establish preventive measures.
The agreement is slated for signing during the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation’s visit to Nigeria for political consultations.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of this pact in strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring the safety of their citizens.
Beyond the MoU, Tinubu and Ramaphosa discussed enhancing economic cooperation, noting significant South African investments in Nigeria and encouraging reciprocal Nigerian investments.
They also highlighted the need for an enabling business environment to foster mutual economic growth.
The leaders committed to collaborating on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost balanced trade between the two countries.
They also agreed to support each other’s candidates for key positions in international organizations, reflecting a unified stance on continental matters.
This renewed partnership signifies a joint effort to address regional conflicts and promote peace, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aspiration to “Silence the Guns.”
Both nations expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in Africa and reiterated support for self-determination movements, emphasizing their roles in fostering stability across the continent.