The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers, committees and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by the country over growing concerns on xenophobic attacks
The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers, committees and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by the country until further notice.
The decision followed growing concerns over reported xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation and destruction of property allegedly targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
The leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives reached the resolution after consultations, according to a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Friday.
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 National Assembly said its boycott would apply to both physical and virtual participation in South African-hosted legislative programmes.
The leadership expressed particular concern over reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced or forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties following recurring violent attacks.
It noted that despite appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to take decisive steps to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals, reports of xenophobic incidents had continued to emerge.
“The Leadership of the National Assembly has expressed grave concern over the continuing reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility directed at Nigerians and other African nationals resident in the Republic of South Africa,” the statement said.
The National Assembly also acknowledged measures taken by the Federal Government and other stakeholders to assist Nigerians affected by the violence, including efforts to facilitate the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa.
Following the resolution, the Clerk to the National Assembly was directed to communicate the decision to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates and all relevant officials and staff for strict compliance.
The federal lawmakers stressed that the decision was not aimed at undermining Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic and people-to-people ties with South Africa.
Rather, it described the move as an expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in the country.
The National Assembly called on the South African government to take urgent measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals within its territory and prevent further attacks.
It also urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate reported cases of xenophobic violence, apprehend suspected perpetrators and ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted.
The federal legislature further urged the leadership of state Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting a similar position.
The National Assembly said it would continue to monitor developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
It added that the suspension of official visits and boycott of South African-hosted legislative activities would remain in force until further notice, subject to review as circumstances warrant.
