National Assembly Suspends Official Visits to South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered a boycott of South African-hosted legislative activities over continuing reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.

The decision followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana.

The federal lawmakers expressed concern over reports of violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility allegedly targeted at Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.

The National Assembly said it was particularly disturbed by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured and displaced, as well as losing businesses, investments, homes and other properties during recurring attacks.

It noted that despite repeated calls by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to strengthen the protection of Nigerians and other foreign nationals and prosecute those responsible, reports of attacks had continued.

“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 resolution applies to official visits by lawmakers, National Assembly committees, officials and staff. It also covers conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other programmes organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.

The boycott extends to both physical and virtual participation in legislative programmes hosted or organised by South African authorities.

The leadership subsequently directed the Clerk to communicate the resolution to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for strict compliance.

However, the National Assembly stressed that the decision was not intended to undermine Nigeria’s longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations with South Africa.

Rather, it 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 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 also urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those 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 resolution and consider adopting similar measures.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and said it would continue to monitor developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.

The suspension of official visits and legislative engagements will remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the National Assembly leadership as circumstances evolve.