The Joint Leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives has directed the suspension of all official visits to the Republic of South Africa and the boycott of South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice.
The decision follows continuing reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals 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 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 Federal Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders to the 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.
The resolution covers official visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its Committees, lawmakers, officials and staff, as well as participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
The boycott also extends to physical participation in South African-hosted legislative programmes and participation through virtual or online platforms.
The Leadership also urged the leadership of State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and may consider adopting similar measures.
The National Assembly also acknowledged interventions by the Federal Government and other stakeholders, including efforts to assist affected Nigerians and facilitate the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa.
The leadership has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to communicate the resolution to all Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, Committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff to ensure strict compliance.
The National Assembly called on the Government of the Republic of South Africa 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 ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The leadership emphasised that the decision is not intended to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa, but rather to express concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in the country.
The National Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad and said it would continue to monitor developments concerning the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
The suspension of official visits and boycott of South African-hosted legislative activities will remain in force until further notice and is subject to review by the Leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
