Xenophobia: Senate, Reps Suspend South Africa Trips Indefinitely

The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and announced a boycott of legislative activities organised or hosted by the country over reported xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.

According to Ireporter Online, the decision followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, with the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, communicating the resolution in a statement issued on Friday.

The National Assembly said it was deeply concerned by reports of violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility allegedly directed at Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.

Lawmakers expressed particular concern over reports that Nigerians had been killed, injured or displaced, while some were allegedly forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties following recurring attacks.

The lawmakers said the decision was taken against the backdrop of repeated reports of xenophobic incidents despite previous appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to strengthen the protection of Nigerians and other foreign nationals and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

“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 lawmakers, National Assembly committees, 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 will apply to both physical and virtual participation in legislative programmes hosted or organised by South African authorities.

Following the resolution, Ogunlana was directed to communicate the decision 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 intended to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

Rather, lawmakers described the measure as a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.

The federal lawmakers called on the South African government to take urgent measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals residing in the country and prevent further xenophobic attacks.

They also urged South African authorities to thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

The National Assembly further called on the leadership of the 36 State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures in response to the reported attacks.

The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad and said they would continue monitoring developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens in South Africa.

The National Assembly added that the decision could be reviewed depending on future developments and circumstances surrounding the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.