This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
On September 5, 2019, South Africa closed its diplomatic missions in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria, in response to violent attacks on South African businesses in Nigerian cities.
The decision was made after a group of people attempted to force their way into the Lagos consulate, prompting the foreign ministry to suspend operations at the two missions to protect employees.
"After receiving reports and threats from some Nigerians, we decided to temporarily close while we assess the situation," said Lunga Ngqengelele, a foreign ministry spokesman.
Both countries had stepped up security on Wednesday after deadly attacks on foreign-owned stores in Johannesburg triggered reprisals against South African businesses in Nigerian cities.
Relations between the two nations have deteriorated, with Nigeria declaring it would boycott the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town, which was to be attended by its vice president, Yemi Osinbajo.
