National Assembly Announces Suspension Of Official South Africa Visits
The Nigerian National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers, committees, officials and staff to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by South African authorities.
The decision followed growing concerns over reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
The resolution was contained in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, on behalf of the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
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The statement read that the National Assembly 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 leadership noted that despite repeated appeals by the Nigeria Government and other stakeholders to South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and bring perpetrators of xenophobic violence to justice, reports of such incidents have continued to emerge.
It also acknowledged interventions by the Government and other stakeholders, including efforts to assist affected Nigerians and facilitate the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa.
The suspension covers official visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff.
It also extends to participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The boycott further applies to physical participation in South African-hosted legislative programmes, as well as participation through virtual or online platforms.
The National Assembly leadership has consequently directed the Clerk to communicate the decision to all senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for strict compliance.
The leadership stressed that the decision was not intended to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Rather, it said the move was a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.
The National Assembly called on the South African Government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals within its territory, prevent further xenophobic attacks, thoroughly investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable in accordance with the law.
The leadership also urged the various State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures.
It reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad, saying 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 and may be reviewed by the leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant.
