Nigeria’s Parliament to Boycott South African Legislative Events
Nigeria’s National Assembly has decided to suspend official visits to the Republic of South Africa and boycott conferences, seminars and other legislative events organized or hosted by South Africa’s parliament. The decision was linked to reports of xenophobic attacks on Nigerian citizens and their businesses in South Africa, Premium Times Nigeria reports.
What measures the boycott covers
National Assembly Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana said the restrictions would remain in force until further notice. They cover trips to South Africa by members of parliament, its committees, officials and staff, as well as participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, parliamentary meetings and legislative exchanges organized or hosted by South African legislative bodies.
The boycott applies to both in-person and remote participation in such events. The assembly’s leadership instructed that senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments and staff be informed of the decision to ensure its implementation.
Citizens’ safety and evacuation
According to Ogunlana, lawmakers are concerned by reports of deaths, injuries and displacement of Nigerians who, because of the violence, were forced to leave businesses, investments, homes and other property in South Africa. He noted that reports of such incidents continued to emerge despite appeals by the Nigerian government and other parties to South African authorities to protect foreigners and hold those responsible accountable.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
The National Assembly stressed that the boycott is not intended to undermine the historical and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and South Africa. At the same time, parliament called on the South African government to take urgent measures to protect Nigerians and other African citizens, thoroughly investigate reports of attacks, detain suspects and hold those responsible accountable.
According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country completed the voluntary evacuation of 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa in July. The last flight brought 305 people from Johannesburg, while the first group of 262 Nigerians and three government officials arrived in Lagos in June. South African authorities stated that undocumented migrants were among those who returned.
Ogunlana also called on Nigeria’s state legislative assemblies to consider adopting a similar boycott. According to him, the National Assembly will review the restrictions depending on how the situation develops.
