The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to adopt stronger diplomatic measures against South Africa over renewed xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings and the alleged persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi, representing Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State, during Thursday’s plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Presenting the motion, Gagdi said Nigeria could no longer remain silent in the face of repeated attacks on its citizens despite years of diplomatic engagement with South Africa.
He noted that South Africa has experienced recurring waves of xenophobic violence over the years, resulting in the deaths of innocent people, destruction of businesses, unlawful arrests, forced displacement and widespread fear among foreign nationals.
The lawmaker said recent reports indicated a fresh wave of attacks targeting Nigerians as well as citizens of Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi and other African countries legally residing in South Africa.
He further stated that the Federal Government had confirmed the recent killing of two Nigerians, including one who reportedly died in police custody and another who was murdered in front of his business premises.
Gagdi recalled Nigeria’s leading role in the struggle against apartheid, describing the continued attacks on Nigerians in South Africa as disturbing and unacceptable.
According to him, Nigeria made significant diplomatic, financial and humanitarian contributions to South Africa’s liberation, making the current treatment of Nigerians contrary to the ideals of African solidarity, justice and freedom.
He also criticised inflammatory public comments allegedly made by a South African government official, warning that such statements could further incite hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals.
Contributing to the debate, lawmakers expressed concern that despite repeated diplomatic engagements, attacks on Nigerians had continued without adequate action by South African authorities.
They urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic pressure on Pretoria and explore international legal mechanisms to ensure justice for victims and greater protection for Nigerians living in the country.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House called on the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the recent killings and the measures being taken to guarantee the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals.
The lawmakers also demanded an independent, transparent and internationally monitored investigation into the deaths of the affected Nigerians and other victims, with a view to ensuring that those responsible are identified, prosecuted and punished.
The House further urged the Federal Government to engage the African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to ensure accountability and strengthen the protection of African migrants in South Africa.
In addition, the lawmakers called for a review of Nigeria’s bilateral relations with South Africa and recommended that aspects of the relationship be suspended or recalibrated where necessary until credible guarantees are provided for the safety of Nigerians.
They also urged the government to strengthen consular services, provide legal assistance, establish emergency evacuation plans where required and support the reintegration of Nigerians who choose to return home.
The House subsequently resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to engage with the South African Parliament, the South African government, the African Union and other relevant institutions on the recurring attacks and submit its report within 21 days.
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