National Assembly Boycotts South African Legislative Events Over Xenophobia

Nigeria’s National Assembly has suspended official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers and staff to boycott legislative events hosted by the country until further notice.

The decision was announced after Senate and House of Representatives leaders raised concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks and hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Under the resolution, National Assembly committees, lawmakers, officials and staff are not to attend conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges or similar programmes organised by South African legislative authorities. The restriction covers both physical and virtual participation.

The statement, signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said the leadership was worried by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon businesses, homes and other property.

The National Assembly said repeated appeals to South African authorities to protect foreign nationals and prosecute attackers had not stopped further incidents. It also noted the Federal Government’s efforts to assist affected Nigerians and support the return of some nationals from South Africa.

The clerk was directed to inform senators, House members, committees, departments and directorates of the decision.

Sources: Channels Television, Daily Trust