By Excellence Oseose
The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered a boycott of legislative activities hosted or organised by the country until further notice, citing renewed reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.
The decision was contained in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., on behalf of the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives.
The National Assembly leadership said it was gravely concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, homes and investments as a result of recurring violent attacks in South Africa.
It said the resolution followed consultations between the leadership of both chambers, stressing that repeated appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals had not halted reports of xenophobic violence.
The suspension covers official visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff.
It also extends to conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings, legislative exchanges and other activities organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities, including participation through virtual or online platforms.
Ogunlana said the Clerk had been directed 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, however, stressed that the decision was not intended to undermine the longstanding historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
It described the move as an expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.
The lawmakers called on the South African government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, prevent further xenophobic attacks, investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found culpable.
The National Assembly also urged State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider adopting similar measures.
The suspension and boycott will remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the National Assembly leadership as circumstances warrant.
