PHOTO CREDIT: The Sun Nigeria / National Assembly Press / NAN
NASS Halts Official Trips to South Africa Over Fresh Xenophobic Attacks

The leadership of the National Assembly has ordered the immediate suspension of all official visits to the Republic of South Africa and a boycott of all South African-hosted or organised legislative engagements.

The directive was conveyed in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, September 10.

According to the statement, the decision was taken in response to continuing reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation and destruction of property targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, following recent anti-immigrant protests calling for migrants to leave the country.

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

The legislature called on the Government of South Africa to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable in accordance with the law.

It added that the suspension and boycott will remain in force until further notice and will be subject to review by the leadership as circumstances warrant.

The latest move comes amid reports that about 1,490 Nigerians have been repatriated and at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in xenophobic-related violence since 2022, with major outbreaks previously recorded in 2008, 2015 and 2019.

The Federal Government had earlier condemned the attacks, begun evacuation efforts, and summoned South African officials for talks.

SOURCE: The Sun Nigeria