National Assembly Suspends Official Visits to South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks
By Pan Afric Reporters
The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by South African authorities, citing continuing reports of xenophobic attacks and violence against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The resolution was contained in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., following consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives over reported attacks, killings, injuries, displacement and destruction of property suffered by Nigerians resident in South Africa.
The National Assembly leadership expressed “grave concern” over recurring reports of xenophobic violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility allegedly directed at Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
It 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 the attacks.
According to the statement, the decision followed repeated appeals by the Federal Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders to South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and bring perpetrators of xenophobic violence to justice.
The lawmakers noted that despite such appeals, reports of fresh incidents had continued to emerge.
The National Assembly also acknowledged interventions by the Federal Government and other stakeholders, including efforts to assist affected Nigerians and facilitate the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa.
“In view of these developments and following consultations between the Leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the National Assembly has resolved to suspend all official visits to the Republic of South Africa and to boycott South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice,” the statement said.
The suspension covers official visits by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff.
It also extends to participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The boycott further applies to physical participation in South African-hosted legislative programmes as well as 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 to ensure strict compliance.
The National Assembly leadership stressed that the decision was not intended to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
“Rather, it is a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa,” the statement said.
The federal lawmakers called on the South African Government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals within its territory and prevent further xenophobic attacks.
They further demanded thorough investigations into reported incidents, the arrest of suspected perpetrators and prosecution of those found culpable in accordance with the law.
The National Assembly also urged the leadership of State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures where necessary.
The leadership 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 of official visits and boycott of South African-hosted legislative activities will remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the National Assembly leadership as circumstances warrant.
