By Oluwakemi Kindness
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to adopt tougher diplomatic measures against South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.
The lawmakers urged the government to review Nigeria’s bilateral relations with South Africa and suspend areas of cooperation where necessary until firm guarantees are provided for the safety and protection of Nigerians residing in the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) during Thursday’s plenary.
Gagdi said recent reports indicate a fresh wave of attacks against Nigerians as well as citizens of Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi who are legally resident in South Africa.
He warned that the continued attacks, if left unchecked, could further endanger the lives and property of Nigerians, encourage perpetrators and weaken diplomatic ties, economic cooperation and regional integration across Africa.
“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 said.
The House condemned the recurring xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings, unlawful detention and alleged persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner to explain the attacks and clarify Pretoria’s position on the protection of Nigerians and other African residents.
They further called for an independent, transparent and internationally monitored investigation into the killings to ensure those responsible are identified, prosecuted and brought to justice.
The House also asked the Federal Government to strengthen consular services, legal assistance, emergency evacuation arrangements and reintegration support for affected Nigerians, while deploying all lawful diplomatic and international mechanisms to seek redress.
In addition, the lawmakers urged the African Union to ensure South Africa complies with its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and encouraged member states to consider lawful diplomatic measures if the attacks persist.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, said South Africa must uphold the ideals of African unity and solidarity it has long championed.
The House concluded by observing a minute’s silence in honour of Nigerians and other victims of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
