The National Assembly, NASS, has suspended all official legislative visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers to boycott South African-hosted or organized legislative activities over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
The decision follows a fresh wave of violence, intimidation and attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa, amid anti-immigrant protests demanding that migrants leave the country.
In a statement signed by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the joint leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives said the suspension covers “all official visits” to South Africa and the boycott of “South African-hosted or South African-organized legislative activities and engagements” until further notice.
The National Assembly said the action reflects its “grave concern for the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.”
It called on the South African government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, investigate reported attacks, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable.
The suspension and boycott will remain in force until further notice and may be reviewed by the leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant, according to the statement.
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The Federal Government has repatriated about 1,490 Nigerians amid the unrest, while reports indicate that some Nigerians have suffered attacks, property losses and difficulties relating to their residency status.
Nigerians have been among those affected by major outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa, including the attacks recorded in 2008, 2015 and 2019, which targeted Nigerian-owned businesses and resulted in deaths and injuries. Nigerian officials have said at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in xenophobic attacks since 2022.
The Federal Government has responded to the latest crisis by condemning the attacks, initiating the evacuation of Nigerians and summoning South African officials for discussions.
During bilateral talks in Abuja in July, the Nigerian government demanded stronger protection for its citizens, while South Africa pledged to prosecute perpetrators and maintained that the violence was not state-sponsored.
In separate proceedings, both chambers of NASS condemned the renewed attacks and called for stronger measures to protect Nigerians.
The Senate sought written safety guarantees and justice for victims, while the House of Representatives called for an investigation into the attacks and the losses suffered by Nigerians in South Africa.
The Sun
