Reciprocity in International Affairs: An Analysis of Nigeria/South Africa “Yellow Fever” Diplomatic Face-Off, March, 2012

Abstract

This paper analysed the March 2012 yellow fever diplomatic row between Nigeria and South Africa. It argued that the principle of reciprocity in international relations came to the fore in the row. The paper made the point that the row was a mild explosion of underlying tensions between the two African giants. An issue is the quest to be the leader of Africa. Nigeria played this leadership role until the emergence of South Africa from apartheid. The two countries seem capable in terms of the elements of power to confront themselves for Africa’s leadership. However, the paper was of strong opinion that a cooperative relationship between the two countries is better than an adversarial one. It argued that the 2012 row may have been better handled by both counties if some restraints were applied. The paper recommended among other things that the two countries need to cooperate more for their own sakes and for the sake of the African continent.

Key Words: Reciprocity, International, Affairs, Diplomatic face-off, Nigeria, South
Africa.