Xenophobic Attacks: National Assembly Suspends Official Visits to South Africa, Orders Boycott

The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers and its officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by the country over renewed reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.

The decision followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, according to a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.

The lawmakers expressed concern over reports of violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility allegedly targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.

The National Assembly said it was particularly disturbed by reports that Nigerians had been killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties as a result of recurring attacks.

According to the statement, the decision was taken despite repeated appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to the South African authorities to take decisive action to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.

The suspension covers official visits by senators, members of the House of Representatives, National Assembly committees, officials and staff.

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It also includes participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other programmes organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities, whether physically or virtually.

The National Assembly leadership directed the Clerk to communicate the decision to lawmakers, committees, departments, directorates and staff for strict compliance.

However, the lawmakers stressed that the move was not intended to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

Rather, the National Assembly described the decision as a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.

It called on the South African government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals in the country and prevent further xenophobic attacks.

The lawmakers also urged South African authorities to thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

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The National Assembly further urged the leadership of the 36 State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and said it would continue to monitor developments surrounding the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.