Nigeria’s parliament has suspended official visits to South Africa (SA) and ordered lawmakers to boycott SA-hosted legislative activities, citing reports of attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants \u200cthere.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The decision reflects growing concern in Nigeria over the safety of its citizens in SA and signals rising frustration over a problem that has periodically strained relations between the continent’s two largest economies.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Nigerian officials have cited persistent anti-immigrant violence in SA, \u2060with Nigeria’s Minister of state for Foreign Affairs having said 98 Nigerians have died in mob and hate-related incidents there since 2022.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
This year, 1 695 Nigerians have been voluntarily evacuated amid xenophobia-related tensions, according to Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The directive, announced by a Spokesperson to the parliament, bars legislators from official travel to SA and from participating in meetings hosted or organised by SA institutions until further notice.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It \u200cdoes \u2060not apply to governmental visits and meetings.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
“This decision is a strong expression of concern over the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in SA,” House Spokesperson Akin Rotimi said in a statement \u2060this Friday.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A South African government Spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for \u2060comment.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
SA Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola led a delegation to Abuja in July, for talks with Nigerian officials aimed at easing tensions over \u2060attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in SA.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Lamola said at the time the South African government condemned “all forms of xenophobia”.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
–Reuters–<\/p>\n
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