By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
The National Assembly (NASS) has taken a strong diplomatic step against recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, suspending all official visits to the country and directing lawmakers to boycott South African-hosted legislative engagements until further notice.
The decision followed reports of continued violence, killings, injuries, intimidation, displacement and destruction of property involving Nigerians and other African nationals living and doing business in South Africa.
The leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives, in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said it was gravely concerned by the persistence of xenophobic attacks despite repeated appeals for stronger protection of foreign nationals.
According to the National Assembly, Nigerians affected by the attacks had been forced to abandon businesses, investments, homes and other properties, raising fresh concerns over the safety and welfare of citizens residing in South Africa.
It noted that the Federal Government and other stakeholders had made several interventions aimed at protecting affected Nigerians, including assistance to victims and efforts to facilitate the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from South Africa.
The parliamentary leadership said it had consequently resolved, after consultations between the Senate and House of Representatives, to suspend all official visits to South Africa by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials and staff.
The resolution further covers parliamentary conferences, seminars, workshops, legislative meetings, exchanges and other programmes organised or hosted by South African legislative authorities.
It also extends to physical and virtual participation in South African-hosted legislative programmes, effectively placing a broad freeze on official legislative engagements between the two countries.
The Clerk has been directed to communicate the decision to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff to ensure strict compliance.
The National Assembly, however, stressed that the action should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine the historical, diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Rather, it described the measure as a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.
It urged the South African Government to act urgently to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, prevent further attacks, investigate reported incidents, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found guilty.
The federal lawmakers also called on State Houses of Assembly to take note of the decision and consider similar measures in response to the situation.
The National Assembly reaffirmed that the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remained a priority, assuring that it would continue to monitor developments concerning Nigerians in South Africa.
The suspension and boycott, it said, would remain in force until further notice and could be reviewed by the National Assembly leadership depending on developments and prevailing circumstances.
