The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered a boycott of legislative activities hosted or organised by South African authorities over renewed concerns about xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The decision followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives amid reports of killings, injuries, intimidation, displacement and destruction of property belonging to Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the leadership said it was “gravely concerned” by the continuing reports of violence and hostility directed at Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.
The National Assembly said the attacks had reportedly forced some Nigerians to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties, adding that repeated appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to South African authorities had yet to prevent further incidents.
“Despite repeated appeals by the Federal Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders to the South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and bring perpetrators of xenophobic violence to justice, reports of such incidents have continued to emerge,” the statement said.
Under the resolution, the suspension covers official trips to South Africa by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff.
It also extends to conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other programmes organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The boycott further includes physical participation in South African-hosted legislative programmes as well as participation through virtual or online platforms.
The Clerk has consequently been directed to communicate the decision to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates and other officials and staff to ensure compliance.
Diplomatic relations unaffected
The National Assembly stressed that the decision was not aimed at undermining the longstanding diplomatic, historical and people-to-people ties between Nigeria and South Africa.
Rather, lawmakers said the move was intended to send a strong message over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.
The Federal Government and other stakeholders have previously intervened in response to incidents affecting Nigerians in South Africa, including efforts to assist victims and facilitate the evacuation of affected Nigerians.
The National Assembly called on the South African government to take urgent and concrete steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, prevent further xenophobic attacks, investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable.
It also urged the leadership of state Houses of Assembly to take note of the resolution and consider adopting similar measures.
The National Assembly said it would continue to monitor developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad.
The suspension and boycott will remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the National Assembly leadership depending on developments.
Background
Relations between Nigeria and South Africa have periodically been strained by attacks on foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, in South Africa.
Xenophobic violence has repeatedly targeted African migrants, with victims reporting attacks on businesses, homes and livelihoods. Nigerians have been among those affected, prompting diplomatic interventions and condemnation from successive Nigerian governments.