Xenophobia: Reps seek comprehensive review of bilateral relations with South Africa

The House of Representatives has called for a comprehensive review of bilateral engagement between Nigeria and South Africa, following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.

The House recommended the suspension of relations with South Africa if necessary and reclamation on specific areas of bilateral cooperation until a credible assurance of the safety of Nigerians in South Africa is secured.

This was sequel to the unanimous adoption of a motion on xenophobia by Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau) at plenary on Thursday in Abuja.

Moving the motion, Gagdi said that recent reports indicated a fresh escalation of attacks targeting Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans, Malawians and other African nationals lawfully residing in South Africa.

He said that failure to decisively address the recurring attacks could further endanger the lives and properties of Nigerians living in South Africa.

He said that continued inaction may embolden perpetrators and weaken 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 Green Chambers urged the Federal Government to immediately summon the South African High Commission to Nigeria to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the xenophobic killings in South Africa.

The lawmakers said that the envoy should clearly communicate the official position of the South Africa government on the protection of Nigerian citizens and other African nationals.

The house condemned the recurring xenophobic attacks, extra judicial killings, unlawful detention and systematic prosecution of Nigerians and other nationals in South Africa.

The house resolved that Nigeria must demand an independent, transparent, impartial, and internationally monitored investigation into the deaths of affected Nigerians and all other African victims.

According to the lawmakers, the aim is to ensure that the perpetrators of xenophobic attacks are identified, prosecuted and punished.

The parliament urged the Federal Government to evoke all available diplomatic and lawful international mechanisms to seek redress.

The house urged the Federal Government to strengthen consular services, legal assistance, emergency evacuation arrangement and reintegration support for Nigerian victims.

The lawmakers called on the African Union to collectively insist that the government of South Africa fulfill its obligations under the African charter of human and people’s rights applicable international instruments.

They urged member states to consider diplomatic and lawful measures against South Africa should the xenophobic attacks and other unlawful killings persist.

In his ruling, the Deputy Speaker of the house, Rep. Benjamin Kalu said that South Africa that once preached the “Bantu” initiative which means unity should live by their words.

The House observed one minute of silence in honour of Nigerians and other nationals who have lost their lives as victims of xenophobic violence in South Africa.