Xenophobic Attacks: Nigeria National Assembly Boycotts South African Legislative Activities
Nigerians living and doing legitimate business in South Africa may have been at the centre of a fresh diplomatic response, as Nigeria’s National Assembly moves to suspend official engagements with South African legislative authorities over reported xenophobic attacks.
The leadership of the National Assembly has resolved to suspend all official visits to South Africa and boycott legislative activities organised or hosted by South African authorities until further notice.
The decision follows reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, homes, investments and other properties amid recurring attacks, intimidation and destruction.
In a statement issued by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Kamoru Ogunlana, the leadership said it was deeply concerned about the reported attacks and continuing threats to the safety and dignity of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.
Ogunlana said the decision followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
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, including participation through virtual or online platforms.
The Clerk has been directed to communicate the resolution to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for strict compliance.
The National Assembly said the decision became necessary despite repeated appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and ensure that perpetrators of xenophobic violence are brought to justice.
It acknowledged efforts by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to support affected Nigerians, including measures aimed at facilitating the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa.
However, the lawmakers stressed that the boycott should not be interpreted as an attempt to damage Nigeria’s longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people ties with South Africa.
Instead, they described the measure as a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians in the country.
The National Assembly called on the South African government to urgently protect Nigerians and other African nationals, prevent further attacks, investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute anyone found culpable.
It also urged State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures.
The suspension and boycott will remain in force until further notice, with the National Assembly leadership saying the decision will be reviewed as circumstances change.
