Xenophobia: Nigeria’s National Assembly boycotts South African legislative engagements

ABUJA — Nigeria’s National Assembly has ordered an indefinite suspension of official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers and its officials to boycott legislative engagements organised or hosted by South African authorities.

The move follows growing concerns over alleged xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

The decision was reached after consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the National Assembly was concerned by reports of violence, intimidation, property destruction and other hostile acts against Nigerians and other African nationals resident in South Africa.

It said reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon businesses, homes, investments and other property were particularly troubling.

The lawmakers noted that the incidents had continued despite appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to strengthen the protection of foreign nationals and bring perpetrators 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 directive covers lawmakers, National Assembly committees, officials and staff.

It also prohibits participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organised or hosted by South African legislative institutions.

The boycott includes both in-person and virtual legislative engagements.

South Africa urged to protect Nigerians

The National Assembly leadership directed the Clerk to circulate the resolution to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for compliance.

However, lawmakers clarified that the action was not intended to damage Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic, historical and people-to-people ties with South Africa.

Instead, they described it as “a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.”

The National Assembly called on the South African government to take immediate and concrete measures to safeguard Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.

It also urged authorities to investigate reported xenophobic attacks, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found guilty.

State assemblies urged to follow suit

The federal lawmakers further urged the leadership of the 36 State Houses of Assembly to take note of the resolution and consider adopting similar measures.

The National Assembly said it remained committed to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and would continue monitoring developments concerning the welfare and safety of Nigerians in South Africa.

The suspension of official visits and boycott of South African-hosted legislative activities will remain in effect until further notice and could be reviewed by the National Assembly leadership depending on developments.

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