Xenophobic attacks: Reps reject calls to suspend ties with South Africa
The Nigerian House of Representatives condemned xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa but voted against severing diplomatic ties. The government continues to facilitate the evacuation of citizens amid ongoing safety concerns.
Why it matters
This highlights the delicate balance between protecting citizens abroad and maintaining essential diplomatic relations between two major African powers.
• Fourth batch of 282 Nigerians arrive Lagos
The House of Representatives have condemned the recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, but rejected calls by some lawmakers to immediately suspend diplomatic relations with Madiba’s country.
However, the fourth batch of Nigerians returning from South Africa arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA ), Lagos, aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight.
The House resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau), who decried “persistent violence, unlawful arrests, extrajudicial killings and the persecution of Nigerians” in South Africa.
Moving the motion during plenary, Gagdi said repeated xenophobic attacks had claimed innocent lives, destroyed businesses and forced many Africans to flee despite years of diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa.
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