Buhari meets Ramaphosa, calls on South Africa to end circle of violence

On the first day of President Muhammadu Buhari’s state visit to South Africa, his counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his country’s deep regret for last month’s violence – some of which targeted Nigerian nationals and their businesses.

President Buhari called on South Africa to take steps to ensure the violence is never repeated. At least 12 people including two foreigners were killed.

Although no Nigerians died, the violence prompted some retaliatory attacks on South African businesses in Nigeria and hundreds of migrant workers were repatriated from South Africa.

President Buhari’s visit is the first by a Nigerian leader since 2013.

The aim of the trip is to bolster trade ties as the two African powerhouses struggle to kick-start their stuttering economies.