National Assembly suspends official visits to South Africa over xenophobic attacks

The National Assembly has directed the suspension of all official visits to the Republic of South Africa.

It also directed the boycott of South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements until further notice.

Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr Kamoru Ogunlana, conveyed the decision of the National Assembly leadership in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.

Ogunlana said the decision was 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.

According to the clerk, the decision 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 and prevent further attacks.

“The National Assembly leadership urged South African authorities to investigate reported incidents thoroughly, arrest suspected perpetrators and prosecute those culpable in accordance with the law,” Ogunlana said.

He said the suspension and boycott would remain in force until further notice and be subject to review by the leadership of the National Assembly as circumstances warrant.