Nigeria has recalled its High Commissioner in South Africa for talks expected to centre on the xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa.

The decision came days after Nigerian lawmakers had asked the Presidency to recall the envoy for consultations.

A statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed stated that the acting High Commissioner, Martin Cobham and Deputy High Commissioner, Uche Ajulu-Okeke, had been asked to return to Nigeria.

“The invitation is in connection with the on-going xenophobia in South Africa targeting foreigners, mainly African migrants,” the statement said.

Seven people have been killed in attacks on migrants since March 20, when Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini spoke out against foreign workers.

“Let us pop our head lice,” he said. “We must remove ticks and place them outside in the sun. We ask foreign nationals to pack their belongings and be sent back.”

He has since said those remarks were taken out of context and that he opposes violence.

Earlier last week, Nigeria summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner over the unrest as protesters picketed the South African embassy in Lagos.

A Nigerian group has called for the International Criminal Court to investigate Zwelithini for “hate speech.”

South Africa has deployed troops to try to quell the xenophobic attacks, after criticism by nations, including China and Zimbabwe for failing to protect their citizens against armed mobs.

South African firms such as mobile phone giant MTN and supermarket chain Shoprite have significant interests in Nigeria, which is Africa’s biggest economy.

There have been calls for the evacuation of Nigerians from the country, but the High Commissioner said there was no plan for the immediate evacuation of Nigerians.

Eight Nigerians had declared interest in leaving the country, according to Ajulu-Okeke.

•Text courtesy of Channels TV. Photo shows Jonathan

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