By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka in Abuja
The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered a boycott of South African-hosted legislative activities until further notice, following renewed reports of xenophobic attacks and violence against Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.
The decision followed growing concerns over reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties as a result of recurring xenophobic violence.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives expressed “grave concern” over the continuing reports of attacks, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility directed at Nigerians and other African nationals resident in South Africa.
The National Assembly noted that 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 had not stopped reports of violent incidents.
It acknowledged ongoing interventions by the Federal Government and other stakeholders, including efforts to assist affected Nigerians and facilitate the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa where necessary.
Following consultations between the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives, the National Assembly resolved that all official visits to South Africa by lawmakers, committees, officials and staff should be suspended until further notice.
The boycott also covers conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities, including participation through virtual or online platforms.
The Clerk to the National Assembly has consequently 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 stressed that the decision was not aimed at undermining the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Rather, it said the measure was intended as a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.
The lawmakers called on the South African Government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, prevent further xenophobic attacks, thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable.
The leadership also urged State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures.
The National Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad, saying it would continue to monitor developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
The suspension and boycott will remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the National Assembly leadership as circumstances warrant
