National Assembly Halts Official Visits To South Africa

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 organized by South African authorities.

The decision came amid rising 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 House of Representatives.

The statement said the National Assembly is especially worried about reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties following recurring violent attacks.

The leadership observed that despite the Nigeria Government and other stakeholders’ repeated appeals to the South African authorities to take decisive steps to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and bring the perpetrators of xenophobic violence to book, such reports have continued to emerge.It said:

It also recognized the interventions of the Government and other stakeholders, including efforts to support affected Nigerians and facilitate the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa.

The suspension covers official visits of the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff to South Africa.

It extends to participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organized or hosted by South African legislative authorities.

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The boycott also includes physical participation in legislative programs hosted in South Africa and participation through virtual or online platforms.

Consequently, the leadership of the National Assembly has directed the Clerk to communicate the decision to all the senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff for strict compliance.

Leadership stressed that the decision was not intended to jeopardize the long-standing historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

Rather, it said the move was a strong signal of concern for the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and doing legitimate business in South Africa.

The National Assembly called on the South African Government to take urgent and concrete steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals within its borders, prevent further xenophobic attacks, fully investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found guilty in accordance with the law.

The leadership also called on the various State Houses of Assembly to take cognizance of the decision and consider adopting similar measures.

The National Assembly reiterated its commitment to the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad and said it would continue to monitor developments regarding the safety and welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.

The suspension and boycott will be in effect until further notice and may be reconsidered by the leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant.