Zuma discusses Africa stability with Nigerian president
April 17, 2013, 8:24 am

The situation in Mali and the Central African Republic was high on the agenda during the talks between the leaders [GCIS]

“The two presidents reaffirmed the good mutual relations between the two countries and confirmed Nigeria’s incoming official visit to South Africa by President Jonathan next month,” an official statement said.

Bilateral trade between the two countries was R36.6 billion last year.

Zuma and Jonathan shared ideas on how Africa could do things better to achieve a stable, peaceful and democratic continent.

Zuma was accompanied by international relations and cooperation minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

High on the discussion agenda was the situation in Mali and the Central African Republic.

At least 13 South Africans were killed and more than two dozen were wounded on March 24 when the soldiers, who were stationed in Bangui, the CAR capital, got caught in a firefight with hundreds of fighters from the Seleka rebel coalition as the rebels swept into the city and overthrew President François Bozizé.

Zuma announced the South African troop withdrawal last Wednesday at a meeting of African leaders in Ndjamena, Chad, to discuss the situation in the Central African Republic.

Nigeria has also sent troops to help the French-led mission to oust al-Qaeda-linked fighters in northern Mali.

The two sides also reflected upon security and stability in Africa and the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity/African Union.

Zuma and his Nigerian counterpart also raised concerns about “the growing trend of using unconstitutional means to acquire governance and then seek to legitimise such governments through the AU and other bodies.”

African leaders have refused to recognise the fledgling government of the CAR rebel leader Michel Djotodia or to accept Mr Djotodia as the legitimate head of state; they called instead for the creation of a transitional governing council.

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