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NASS Halts Official Trips to South Africa Over Fresh Xenophobic Attacks

The National Assembly has suspended all official legislative visits to South Africa and ordered lawmakers to boycott all South Africa-hosted or organised legislative programmes over renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals.

The decision comes on the heels of a fresh wave of violence and intimidation against foreign nationals, following anti-immigrant protests in South Africa calling for migrants to leave the country.

The directive was contained in a statement signed on Thursday, September 10, by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on behalf of the joint leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives.

According to the statement, the suspension covers “all official visits” to South Africa and the boycott of “South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements” until further notice.

The legislature said the action reflects its “grave concern for the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad”.

It urged the South African government to take urgent and concrete steps to protect Nigerians and other Africans, investigate reported attacks, arrest suspects and prosecute those found culpable.

The National Assembly added that the suspension and boycott will remain in force until further notice, subject to review by its leadership.

This is not the first time Nigerians have been targeted. Citizens were among those affected by major outbreaks in 2008, 2015 and 2019, with attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses and loss of lives. Official records indicate at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in xenophobic attacks since 2022.

About 1,490 Nigerians have so far been repatriated by the Federal Government amid the unrest, with many others reporting attacks, loss of property and challenges with residency status.

The Federal Government had earlier condemned the attacks, commenced evacuation of affected citizens, and summoned South African officials for talks. During bilateral talks in Abuja in July, Nigeria demanded stronger protection for its citizens while South Africa pledged to prosecute perpetrators.

In separate resolutions, the Senate condemned the renewed attacks and called for written safety guarantees and justice for victims, while the House of Representatives demanded a full investigation into the losses suffered by Nigerians.
Source: The Sun Nigeria – thesun.ng