South Africa closes embassy in Nigeria after threats

A man tries to set a bonfire on the road during a demonstration and attacks against South Africa's owned shops in Abuja, Nigeria yesterday. South Africa has closed its embassy in the country. [AFP]

South Africa has temporarily closed its embassy in Nigeria after threats led to fears for staff safety, Foreign Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor told Reuters, after attacks this week on foreign-owned businesses in South Africa caused a diplomatic spat.

She said South Africa was in constant contact with Nigerian authorities to try to restore calm, adding there was no provision in local law for compensation for damage caused in the attacks.