The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered a boycott of South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice.
The decision was taken by the joint leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives in response to continuing reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The National Assembly said the action reflected its grave concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerian citizens living or travelling abroad.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the leadership called on the South African government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.
It also demanded thorough investigation of reported incidents, the arrest of suspected perpetrators and the prosecution of those found culpable in accordance with the law.
The statement reads in full ‘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.
‘This decision is in response to the continuing reports of xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. It reflects the National Assembly’s grave concern for the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.
‘The National Assembly calls on the Government of the Republic of South Africa to take urgent and concrete measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, prevent further attacks, investigate reported incidents thoroughly, arrest suspected perpetrators and ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
‘The suspension and boycott shall remain in force until further notice, subject to review by the Leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant.’
The directive covers official visits by the National Assembly to South Africa as well as legislative activities and engagements hosted or organised by South African authorities or institutions.
The leadership said the measures would remain in force until further notice, with a review to be undertaken as circumstances warrant.