Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to travel to South Africa this week to attend the inauguration ceremony for President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was re-elected last month for a second term after a historic political shift.
Ramaphosa’s inauguration will take place on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, according a statement by the Union Buildings.
Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale announced on Monday that Tinubu will depart Lagos on Tuesday for Pretoria, where he will join other regional leaders to witness Ramaphosa being sworn in following his re-election on May 29.
“The inauguration of Ramaphosa follows his re-election as President for a second term,” Ngelale stated. “President Tinubu will return to Nigeria after the ceremony.”
Ramaphosa secured another five years in office after his African National Congress (ANC) party was forced into an unprecedented coalition arrangement when it failed to win an outright parliamentary majority for the first time since taking power at the end of apartheid.
The ANC, once the vanguard of the anti-apartheid struggle led by Nelson Mandela, saw its share of the national vote slump to just 40% amid concerns over corruption and a struggling economy. To remain in government, it forged a “national unity” pact with several smaller parties.
Tinubu’s attendance at the inauguration underscores Nigeria’s interest in strengthening ties with South Africa as the two economic powerhouses navigate political transitions and governance challenges.
“We are eager to nurture a closer partnership between our nations to secure peace, development and democratic stability across Africa,” said a senior Nigerian official speaking on condition of anonymity.
Relations between Africa’s two largest economies have been strained at times over trade disputes and policy differences. However, Tinubu has signaled his intention to “re-energize” cooperation since taking office in May 2023 after a highly contested election.
Both Nigeria and South Africa are members of the African Union and regional blocs like ECOWAS and SADC. Analysts say coordinated leadership from Abuja and Pretoria could help drive initiatives on continental integration, conflict resolution and economic progress.
For Ramaphosa, the inauguration marks the start of a second and likely final term leading South Africa, as he faces pressure to decisively address problems like power shortages, unemployment and sluggish growth. His partnership with Tinubu could provide crucial support as both nations confront daunting policy imperatives.
