Xenophobia: National Assembly suspends official visits to South Africa
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineThe National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and announced a boycott of legislative activities hosted or organised by the country 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 signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Friday.
The National Assembly leadership expressed concern over reports of violence, intimidation, property destruction and other forms of hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
It said it was particularly concerned by reports that Nigerians had been killed, injured, displaced or forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties following recurring attacks.
The leadership noted that despite repeated appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and prosecute those responsible, reports of such incidents had continued.
The statement said: “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.”
Also Read:
- Just in: ASUU-UNIZIK calls off strike after members receive full August salaries
- Xenophobia: National Assembly suspends official visits to South Africa
- Arteta reacts to Jesus claims over Arsenal exit
- D’Tigress receive Presidential rewards, hail Tinubu’s support
- NIS extends UK passport intervention as 1,477 Nigerians enrol
The resolution covers official trips by lawmakers, National Assembly committees, officials and staff, as well as attendance at conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other programmes organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The boycott also applies to physical and virtual participation in South African-hosted legislative programmes.
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.
The National Assembly, however, clarified that the decision was not intended to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Instead, it described the move as “a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.”
The federal lawmakers called on the South African government to take urgent and concrete steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals in the country 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 leadership further urged 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 monitoring developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
The suspension of visits and boycott of legislative activities will remain in force until further notice and may be reviewed by the National Assembly leadership as circumstances warrant.
[wpadcenter_ad id='745970' align='none']