The Cyber Politics Between Nigeria and South Africa

August’s Jollof x Amapiano Diary explores cyber politics between Nigeria and South Africa. The internet has clearly turned into an arena for digital rivalry between these self-styled African powerhouses, as they compete for supremacy in our growing virtual landscape. For the discerning observer, a pattern emerges when examining the series of events between these two African powerhouses: the political playfield has shifted dramatically to the web, creating a new arena for international diplomacy and conflict. Today, I would like to explore and express my thoughts based on my observation of recent events in Nigeria and South Africa projected by social software spaces.

Cyber Politics: A New Frontier in International Relations

One thought led to the other while I was deep in sleep and thinking about Chidimma Adetshina and the heavy wave of cyberbullying that was meted out to her on social media platforms. From there, I thought about the significant impact this dramatic Chidimma episode could have on international relations between Nigeria and South Africa. I thought about how ordinary people using the web could influence how states relate. With a restless mind, I got up out of chronic curiosity and started searching the web about digital platforms and how they shape international politics. And interestingly, I found cyber politics to be a relatively new field of study. Cyber politics, a relatively newly coined term, is rapidly gaining traction among scholars as a critical field of discourse. At its core, and in international relations, it can be pictured as the practice of conducting international diplomacy and political manoeuvring through digital platforms. This emerging phenomenon has profound implications for how nations interact, compete, and collaborate in the 21st century.

In the case of Nigeria and South Africa, cyber politics has become a double-edged sword, simultaneously fostering connection and fueling division. The digital space has amplified their voices on the global stage while also exposing the deep-seated tensions that exist between these two nations.

Africa’s Drama Queens: A Tale of Two Powerhouses

Nigeria and South Africa, often viewed as the continent’s leading nations, continue to astound internal and external observers with their complex and often tumultuous relationship. I can’t help but wonder about the perspective of other African states that look to these two countries for leadership and guidance. The frequent oscillation between cooperation and conflict, manifesting as digital “twars” (Twitter wars) one day and scathing media statements the next, has forced me to label Nigeria and South Africa the unquestionable title of “Africa’s drama queens”.

This state of antagonism extends beyond government officials, permeating the digital interactions between citizens of both nations. The unfriendliness displayed in online forums, social media platforms, and comment sections is a testament to the deep-rooted tensions that exist between Nigeria and South Africa.

Digital Revolution in Nigeria & South Africa

South Africa and Nigeria are among the three biggest players in the African digital space. They are not just big for nothing, and their prominence is not coincidental as they actively shape and steer important discussions within the digital realm. Moreover, they leverage their digital capabilities to safeguard and promote their national interests, ensuring their voices are heard on regional and global levels.

Nigeria in the digital space

Once a latecomer to digital technology, Nigeria now boasts a significant online presence due to its large, youthful population. Since adopting the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) on August 6, 2001, the country has seen nearly 130 million active internet users emerge, representing over half its population. A recent Exploding Topics report ranks Nigeria as the world’s 7th largest internet user base.

Leveraging its cyber strength in the digital realm for international diplomacy and defence, Nigeria has become a formidable force in Africa and beyond. The digital ecosystem’s substantial impact on Nigeria’s national and state elections suggests that the country’s influence in global affairs and discussions can no longer be overlooked. This marks Nigeria’s rise in worldwide digital diplomatic engagements.

South Africans on the web

With an Internet penetration rate reaching an impressive 70.6%, South Africa stands out as a significant player in the digital landscape. The country boasts a remarkable global average of nearly 10 hours spent online each day, showcasing the deep engagement of its citizens with digital content. Correspondingly, an astounding 99% of the population accesses the Internet through smartphones, highlighting the importance of mobile technology in connecting South Africans to the vast online world.

This heavy reliance on digital devices reflects the growing connectivity among individuals and positions South Africans as major contributors to the global digital landscape. Being recognized as the country with the highest internet addiction globally, South Africans undeniably represent a powerful and influential presence in the constantly changing and dynamic online landscape.

Influencers: The Rise & Rise of The Fifth Estate

In his work Cyber Politics (Social Media, Social Demography and Voting Behaviour in Nigeria), Omoniyi Ibietan shows how social media has become a key communication tool, enhancing citizens’ involvement in civic and political activities. Today, non-state actors now wield significant influence in the digital space. We have all encountered numerous posts from various influential figures on a wide range of social media platforms, spanning from the bustling streets of Lagos to the vibrant city of Johannesburg. Popular handles on Twitter, such as @ChrisExcel, @Thuso van Zyl, @Kwena Molekwa, @Omojuwa and @PatrioticMedia1, come to mind and have become synonymous with impactful online presence.

These accounts have ignited the spark for important conversations, skillfully worded posts that fan the embers of discussion, spreading their influence far beyond their local borders. They are significant players in the digital arena, primarily due to the vast number of followers they have amassed. Their ability to influence their followers is remarkable, as each carries messages, often packed with various motives and intentions. These digital ‘memos’ spread like wildfire, reaching audiences quickly and effectively.

Now, let’s delve into some examples of how these social media revolutionaries, who frequently engage in what can be described as digital warfare, have significantly shaped the conversations surrounding critical issues in both Nigeria and South Africa, impacting public opinion and discourse in profound ways.

Nigeria and South Africa: Cyber Politics in Action

The Chidimma Adetshina Incident

2024 will forever be a big, unforgettable year for the young Nigerian-South African Chidimma Adetshina. The case of Chidimma, a beauty pageant in the 2024 Miss South Africa contest, became a flashpoint for cyber-political tensions. Since Adetshina progressed to the top finalists, she became the centre of debates around South African identity. Later, her mother was accused of an alleged identity fraud crime, and the incident quickly escalated on social media platforms. Nigerian netizens rallied to her defence, while some influential South African social media users, including a national government minister, Gayton Mckenzie, said, ‘We can’t have Nigerians contesting in our Miss SA’ and called for stricter immigration policies. Dr Leon Schreib, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, engaged in a Twitter diplomacy subtle battle with Nigeria’s Miss Universe organiser, Mr Guy Murray-Bruce of Silver Birds, exchanging thinly veiled accusations.

The Xenophobia Label and Digital Activism

South Africa has long grappled with accusations of xenophobia, particularly towards Nigerian immigrants. This issue has found a new battleground in the digital realm. Hashtags like #SayNoToXenophobia and #NigeriansAreNotCriminals frequently trend on Twitter, with users from both countries engaging in heated debates about immigration, crime, and national stereotypes.

Anecdotal Evidence: During the March 2019 xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Nigerian influencers with millions of followers called for boycotts of South African businesses, leading to a measurable drop in stock prices for companies like MTN and Shoprite.

The “Nigerianisation” of Criminality in South African Media

A concerning trend in South African digital media has been the disproportionate focus on Nigerian nationals when reporting on crime. This “Nigerianisation” of criminality has led to numerous online campaigns and counter-campaigns. Media outlets appear to use Nigerian involvement in crime stories as a marketing tactic. Nigerian online activists with large social media audiences have emphasized Nigeria’s positive impact on South Africa, while fact-checkers have worked to disprove misleading crime data.

Bolt Ride-Hailing War From Lagos to Cape Town

South Africans ignited a fierce ride-hailing competition, known as the Bolt Ride-Hailing War, stretching from Lagos to Abuja, all to frustrate their Nigerian counterparts. Nigerians retaliated by flooding the system with numerous fake Bolt requests. This situation is a clear example of how influencers can effectively utilize the digital landscape to incite significant actions that transcend national borders, demonstrating the power of social media in shaping behaviours and responses.

Ripple Effect of Cyber Politics on African Leadership

The cyber-political drama between Nigeria and South Africa raises critical questions about the future of African leadership. As these two nations engage in digital squabbles, other African countries are left to navigate the complex waters of continental politics.

Expert Opinion: Dr Oluwaseun Tella, a researcher at the University of Johannesburg, notes in Internal, Regional and External Impediments to Nigeria and South Africa’s Hegemonic Competence in Africa: “Even though numerous African nations are often recognized as significant players on the continent, most experts and analysts tend to agree that Nigeria and South Africa meet the essential criteria to be considered as hegemonic powers. Consequently, the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa holds considerable implications and influences for regional integration efforts. This dynamic partnership is crucial for fostering collaboration and unity among other African countries, ultimately shaping the continent’s political and economic landscape.”

State vs. People: A Digital Divide?

Interestingly, the Nigeria-South Africa cyber-political landscape reveals a nuanced interplay between state actors and citizens. While government officials often engage in measured diplomatic exchanges online, citizens from both countries tend to express more raw, unfiltered sentiments.

This dichotomy raises important questions about the role of digital citizenship in shaping international relations. Are the people leading the charge in cyber politics, with governments scrambling to keep up? Or are state actors orchestrating these digital conflicts from behind the scenes? Your guess is as good as mine as I struggle with these questions.

In A Wrap: The Future of African Cyber Politics

As we navigate this new era of digital diplomacy, the cyber-political relationship between Nigeria and South Africa serves as a microcosm for broader trends in international relations. The challenge for these African powerhouses lies in harnessing the connective potential of digital platforms while mitigating the divisive tendencies that often emerge in online discourse.

Moving forward, I think Nigeria and South Africa must work towards fostering a more constructive digital dialogue. This could involve joint cyber security initiatives, collaborative digital economy projects, or shared social media campaigns promoting positive people-to-people social cohesion and African unity. Only by embracing the positive aspects of cyber politics can Nigeria and South Africa truly live up to their potential as leaders of the African continent in the digital age.

The drama may continue, but with conscious effort and digital maturity, these two nations may transform their cyber-political stage from a battlefield into a forum for productive engagement and continental progress.

Olunloyo Akindele Olufemi

Blogger

I love travelling. I cherish my Lagos. And I adore my new home in Johannesburg. Lagostojozi Blog is my passion project which strives to promote cooperation, healthy relations and social cohesion between the people of these two great African megacities of Lagos and Johannesburg.