National Assembly Suspends All Official Visits and Boyboyts Legislative Events in South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

The Nigerian National Assembly has taken a strong diplomatic stand against recurring anti-immigrant violence, announcing an immediate suspension of all official visits to South Africa and a total boycott of legislative engagements hosted by the country.

The resolution was conveyed via an official directive signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, following high-level consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The legislative action comes in direct response to a fresh surge of xenophobic hostility, intimidation, and the targeted destruction of properties and businesses belonging to Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.

According to the parliament, the decision was necessitated by deep concerns over reports of Nigerian citizens being killed, injured, or violently displaced from their homes and investments. Lawmakers expressed frustration that these tragic incidents persist despite repeated diplomatic appeals by the Federal Government of Nigeria urging South African authorities to establish robust safety frameworks and clamp down on instigators of xenophobic hate.

Under the terms of the new directive, the suspension covers all official travel by senators, House members, committees, and administrative staff. Furthermore, the boycott extends to all physical and virtual conferences, workshops, seminars, and parliamentary exchanges organized, sponsored, or co-sponsored by South African legislative institutions. The guideline explicitly states that no official delegation or legislative officer may participate in any such engagements without prior, express authorization from the National Assembly leadership.

While emphasizing the gravity of the measure, the legislature clarified that the restriction is not intended to permanently rupture longstanding historical or people-to-people relations between Nigeria and South Africa. Instead, lawmakers described the boycott as a firm and necessary response to defend the safety, dignity, and basic welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.

The National Assembly has challenged the South African government to demonstrate political will by enforcing concrete security measures, thoroughly investigating reported mob attacks, and ensuring that all culprits are swiftly brought to justice. Additionally, the federal legislative leadership has called on the 36 State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria to take note of the resolution and consider implementing similar solidarity measures.

The suspension and boycott will remain strictly enforced until further notice, subject to future reviews by the leadership of the National Assembly based on tangible improvements in the security landscape for foreign nationals in South Africa.