By Ghazali Ibrahim
The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and barred lawmakers and officials from participating in legislative activities organised or hosted by South African authorities.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi.
The decision followed growing concerns over reports of renewed xenophobic attacks, violence, intimidation and destruction of property targeting Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
The National Assembly said it was particularly concerned about reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, homes and investments.
According to the statement, the suspension applies to senators, members of the House of Representatives, committees, departments, directorates, officials and staff of the National Assembly.
It covers official visits, conferences, seminars, workshops, meetings, parliamentary exchanges and other legislative engagements organised, hosted, sponsored or co-sponsored by South African legislative authorities.
The ban also extends to virtual and online engagements.
The National Assembly said no lawmaker, committee, official or staff member would be allowed to participate in such activities during the suspension without the express approval of its leadership.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said the decision followed consultations between the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The lawmakers said the suspension was necessary because the reported attacks had continued despite repeated appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders for South African authorities to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals and prosecute perpetrators.
The National Assembly had earlier condemned renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa and supported diplomatic efforts to address the situation.
It stressed, however, that the latest action did not amount to a rejection of Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic and people-to-people relationship with South Africa.
The suspension will remain in force until further notice and may be reviewed by the leadership of the National Assembly depending on developments.
The lawmakers said parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation between both countries remained important but should be based on mutual respect and the protection of lives, property and lawful businesses.
