The House of Representatives has called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s bilateral relations with South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to consider suspending aspects of its relationship with South Africa, where necessary, until credible assurances are provided regarding the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.
The resolution followed the unanimous adoption of a motion sponsored by Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC–Plateau) during plenary on Thursday in Abuja.
Presenting the motion, Gagdi said recent reports indicated a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans, Malawians and other African nationals lawfully residing in South Africa.
He warned that the continued failure to decisively address the recurring attacks could further endanger the lives and property of Nigerians living in the country.
According to him, continued inaction could embolden perpetrators and undermine confidence in regional institutions established to protect African citizens.
“The recurring attacks threaten diplomatic relations, economic cooperation and continental integration.
“The continued killing of Nigerians abroad without adequate accountability diminishes confidence in the collective commitment of African states to uphold human rights, justice and the rule of law,” he said.
The House urged the Federal Government to immediately summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the renewed xenophobic attacks and killings.
It also called on the envoy to clearly communicate the official position of the South African government on measures being taken to protect Nigerian citizens and other African nationals residing in the country.
The lawmakers condemned the recurring xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings, unlawful detention and what they described as the systematic persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The House further resolved that Nigeria should demand an independent, transparent, impartial and internationally monitored investigation into the deaths of affected Nigerians and other African victims to ensure that those responsible are identified, prosecuted and punished.
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to invoke all available diplomatic channels and lawful international mechanisms to seek justice for victims.
They called on the government to strengthen consular services, legal assistance, emergency evacuation arrangements and reintegration support for Nigerians affected by the attacks.
The House further appealed to the African Union to ensure that the South African government fulfils its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other applicable international instruments.
It also urged African Union member states to consider appropriate diplomatic and lawful measures against South Africa if the xenophobic attacks and other unlawful killings continue.
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, said South Africa, which once championed the philosophy of Ubuntu, the African principle that emphasises shared humanity and unity, should uphold those values in its treatment of fellow Africans.
The House observed a minute’s silence in honour of Nigerians and other African nationals who have lost their lives to xenophobic violence in South Africa.
