July 9 (THEWILL) — The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria and undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral relations with Pretoria following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The lawmakers warned that Nigeria should consider suspending aspects of its bilateral engagement with South Africa until credible assurances are provided on the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.
The resolutions followed the unanimous adoption of a motion sponsored by Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) during Thursday’s plenary in Abuja over the resurgence of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Moving the motion, Gagdi said recent reports indicated a fresh escalation of attacks against Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans, Malawians and other African nationals lawfully residing in South Africa.
He warned that the persistent attacks posed a serious threat to the lives and property of Nigerians and, if left unchecked, could further undermine confidence in regional institutions established to protect African citizens.
According to the lawmaker, the recurring violence also threatens diplomatic relations, economic cooperation and Africa’s integration agenda.
“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”, Gagdi stated.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to immediately invite the South African High Commissioner to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the renewed xenophobic attacks and clearly communicate Pretoria’s official position on the protection of Nigerians and other African nationals residing in the country.
The Green Chamber further recommended a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s bilateral engagement with South Africa and advised that specific areas of cooperation be suspended where necessary, until adequate guarantees are provided for the safety of Nigerians.
The lawmakers also 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 resolved that Nigeria should demand an independent, transparent, impartial and internationally monitored investigation into the deaths of Nigerians and other African victims, with a view to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, prosecuted and brought to justice.
It further urged the Federal Government to invoke all available diplomatic channels and lawful international mechanisms to seek redress for victims and hold those responsible accountable.
To improve protection for Nigerians abroad, the lawmakers called on the Federal Government to strengthen consular services in South Africa by providing legal assistance, emergency evacuation arrangements where necessary, and reintegration support for victims returning to Nigeria.
The House also appealed to the African Union to ensure that South Africa complies with its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other applicable international instruments protecting the rights of African citizens.
In addition, lawmakers urged African Union member states to consider appropriate diplomatic and lawful measures against South Africa should the recurring xenophobic attacks and unlawful killings continue.
Delivering his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said South Africa, which once championed the philosophy of “Bantu”—a concept symbolising African unity and shared humanity—must demonstrate those ideals by guaranteeing the safety and dignity of fellow Africans within its borders.
At the close of the debate, members of the House observed a minute’s silence in honour of Nigerians and other African nationals who have lost their lives in xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
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