Xenophobic Attacks: MTN Expresses Concerns; Calls For Calmness, Restraint

Telecoms giant, MTN this afternoon, officially commented on the series of xenophobic attacks and it mentioned Nigeria and South Africa.

In a statement by the company on Thursday, the group expressed concerns and called for calmness and restraint. According to the company, the attacks are directed against non-nationals both in South Africa and Nigeria.

“MTN Group expresses concern over the violence. MTN requests people to exercise restraint and remain calm,” MTN stated.

Although MTN is a South African company that is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Nigeria is its biggest market. With several Nigerians living and/or working in South Africa reportedly being targeted in xenophobic attacks, MTN’s operations in Nigeria had been the focus of several discussions on how South Africa could be affected.

MTN has installations and offices across Nigeria suggesting that the company would require a peace accord to be reached between Nigeria and South Africa in order to ensure smooth operations in Africa’s biggest telecoms market, Nigeria.