Without Nigeria, South Africa Wouldn’t Have Defeated Apartheid – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said South Africa would not have ended apartheid in 1994 without Nigeria’s sustained support for the struggle against white minority rule.

According to Ireporter Online, Obasanjo made the remarks during an interview with C-Suite Cafe, hosted by Ikem Okuhu, where he reflected on Nigeria’s contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle and the broader campaign for decolonisation across Africa.

South Africa held its first democratic and non-racial elections in 1994, bringing decades of apartheid rule to an end.

Obasanjo said Nigeria’s involvement in the struggle was driven by the belief that no black person should be treated as inferior because of their skin colour, rather than expectations of financial or political benefits.

He explained that Nigeria supported liberation movements across Southern Africa because of its commitment to racial equality and the freedom of black people across the continent.

“We were not doing what we did in South Africa or in Southern Africa or decolonisation anywhere for our personal gain or for our country. We did it for our race,” Obasanjo said.

He added that he believed no black person anywhere should be regarded as an inferior human being because of their colour.

According to the former president, Nigeria’s actions could be described as “enlightened self-interest”, although the country did not provide its support with the expectation of receiving anything in return.

Obasanjo said Nigerians should remain proud of the country’s contribution to the anti-apartheid campaign, stressing that Nigeria played a decisive role in the eventual collapse of the system.

“And for me, and I believe for Nigeria at that time and even now, we should be proud of what we did because without Nigeria, South Africa would not have got rid of apartheid when it got rid of it. That is true,” he said.

The former president also recalled Nigeria’s collaboration with several African and international leaders during the anti-apartheid struggle and wider decolonisation efforts.

Among those he mentioned were former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere, former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda and former Mozambican President Samora Machel. He also cited former United States President Jimmy Carter, former British Prime Minister James Callaghan and former Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme.

Obasanjo also condemned xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa, arguing that authorities should address violations through lawful means rather than allow violence against foreigners.

He acknowledged that some foreigners may be living in South Africa illegally or could be involved in criminal activities, but said such cases should be handled in accordance with the law.

“I do not believe that you use illegality to treat illegality, asking and encouraging area boys and area girls to break into their houses and to break into their shops,” he said.

Obasanjo further rejected the broad claim that migrants are responsible for taking jobs away from South Africans, noting that some foreigners contribute to the economy and create employment opportunities.