N’assembly Suspends ALL Legislative Engagements with South Africa over Xenophobic Attacks

The national assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by the country until further notice.

In a statement signed by Kamoru Ogunlana, clerk to the national assembly, the leadership of the nation’s legislature attributed the decision to the persistent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in the former apartheid country.

In recent months, there have been attacks and destruction of property targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

In July, Sola Enikanolaiye, Nigeria’s minister of state foreign affairs, said official records indicate that 98 Nigerians have been killed in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022.

Ogunlana said the national assembly leadership was “gravely concerned” about the continuing reports of attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.

“The Leadership is particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties as a result of recurring violent attacks,” the statement reads.

“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 resolution covers official visits by the national assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff, and extends to virtual activities.

Ogunlana is expected to communicate the resolution to senators, members of the house of representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for compliance.

‘DECISION NOT TO UNDERMINE NIGERIA-SOUTH AFRICA RELATIONS’

Ogunlana said the decision was not intended to damage or 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,” Ogunlana said.

The national assembly called on the South African government to take “urgent and concrete measures” to protect Nigerians and other African nationals in the country from further xenophobic attacks and “investigate reported incidents thoroughly, arrest suspected perpetrators and ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law”.

“The suspension and boycott shall remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the Leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant,” Ogunlana added.