Cape Town – South Africa and Nigeria have agreed to implement an early warning mechanism aimed at identifying and addressing issues of mutual concern before they escalate, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed.
DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri revealed the agreement during an interview with Newzroom Afrika, where he discussed the outcomes of a recent engagement between the two countries. He said the mechanism would improve communication and help resolve disputes through bilateral channels.
“One of the accords was that we will agree to de-escalate the inflammatory rhetoric between the two nations. I think you would have seen some statements have been made from Nigeria and vice versa around some of the things that have been happening.”
Phiri said South Africa had also clarified misconceptions regarding the treatment of Nigerian nationals who wish to leave the country.
“We are very clear on the type of migrants we want. We want the best of any country…” DIRCO spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, says SA and Nigeria have agreed to sign an “early warning mechanism,” which allows the countries to flag issues of mutual concern early.… pic.twitter.com/FDBP2b5Mb3
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 28, 2026
He explained that individuals are free to depart South Africa voluntarily, but those wanted for criminal offences would be detained and processed through the country’s criminal justice system before any further action is taken.
“If you want to leave the country, you’re most welcome to leave the country. However, if you are wanted for a crime, the government of South Africa reserves the right to detain you and process you and ensure that you go through the criminal justice system.”
Phiri said that Nigerian diplomatic representatives have access to the Lindela Repatriation Centre and may visit detained Nigerian nationals whenever necessary.
He said the proposed early warning mechanism would enable both governments to respond swiftly to incidents that could strain relations between the two countries.
“We have stressed that we need to sign what we had agreed to previously, which is called an early warning mechanism, which allows us to flag issues of mutual concern early between the two nations and address it immediately.”
Phiri cited the incident in the Eastern Cape involving Nigerian nationals who allegedly attempted to install a king as an example of an issue that generated public concern in South Africa and could have been addressed more effectively through such a mechanism.
“Where we continuously see infractions of any kind between the two countries, this early warning mechanism will be able to ensure that both countries mutually address this issue.”
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
