By Aaron Ossai
The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered lawmakers and officials to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by the country until further notice, following renewed reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The decision was taken after consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives over reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, intimidated and displaced in South Africa.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the National Assembly expressed “grave concern” over reports of violence, destruction of property and other forms of hostility directed at Nigerians and other African nationals resident in South Africa.
The lawmakers said they were particularly disturbed by reports that some Nigerians had been forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties following recurring attacks.
According to the statement, the latest resolution covers official visits 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 engagements organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The boycott will apply not only to physical participation but also to virtual and online legislative programmes hosted or organised by South African authorities.
The National Assembly leadership consequently directed the Clerk to communicate the decision to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for strict compliance.
The action comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa, despite previous appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for the South African authorities to take stronger measures to protect foreign nationals.
The National Assembly acknowledged interventions by the Federal Government and other stakeholders, including efforts to assist Nigerians affected by the attacks and facilitate the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa.
It, however, urged the South African government to take “urgent and concrete measures” to halt further xenophobic attacks and protect Nigerians and other African nationals within its territory.
The lawmakers also demanded thorough investigations into reported attacks, the arrest of suspected perpetrators and prosecution of those found culpable in accordance with South African law.
Despite the boycott, the National Assembly stressed that its decision was not aimed at undermining the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Rather, it described the move as a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians residing and conducting legitimate businesses in the country.
The National Assembly leadership also urged State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures in response to the situation.
It said it would continue to monitor developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
The suspension and boycott will remain in force until further notice, although the National Assembly leadership may review the decision depending on developments and circumstances.
