Impact Of Xenophobic Violence On Trade Relations Between South Africa And Nigeria; 2009-2019
Agu Chizoba Cajetan
Department of Political Science and International Relations, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Godfrey Okoye University, Thinkers’ Corner, Enugu state.
Dr Chris N Mbaeze
Department of Political Science and International Relations, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Godfrey Okoye University, Thinkers’ Corner, Enugu state.
Keywords: Xenophobic Violence, Trade Relations, South Africa, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined the impact of xenophobic violence on trade relations between South Africa and Nigeria; 2009 to 2019. The study investigated whether xenophobic violence has undermined trade relations between Nigeria and South Africa (2009 to 2019). Xenophobia has become a recurrent phenomenon in South Africa. It often occurs with attendant consequences for lives and properties, and inter-State diplomatic relations. The search for greener pasture defined in terms of economic prosperity through gainful employment, conducive environment for skill acquisition and self-actualization, access to modern infrastructure and academic pursuit usually exacerbate immigration. However, the citizens of host country tend to display hostilities and hatred towards non-nationals as competition for resources become tense. Documentary method of data collection was used based on the analysis of documents/materials. Secondary sources of data were used in getting the data for this research. The political realism theory was adopted as a basis of theoretical analysis. The findings from the study indicated that xenophobic violence has negatively affected trade relation between Nigeria and South Africa. It was recommended that South African and Nigerian governments should educate their citizens on the importance of compromise, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the two countries. This could be achieved by creating a free trade alliance between the two countries.