The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Federal Government to adopt tougher 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 Punch reported that the call followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the lawmaker representing Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency in Plateau State, Yusuf Gagdi.
The motion, titled, “Need for the Federal Government of Nigeria to Immediately Respond to the Escalating Xenophobic Attacks, Extrajudicial Killings and Systematic Persecution of Nigerians and Other African Nationals in the Republic of South Africa,” received unanimous backing during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Presenting the motion, Gagdi said Nigeria must no longer remain passive while its citizens continue to face repeated attacks in South Africa despite years of diplomatic engagement between both countries.
He said, “The House is aware that the Republic of South Africa has, over the years, witnessed repeated waves of xenophobic violence directed against Nigerians and other African nationals, resulting in the loss of innocent lives, destruction of businesses, unlawful arrests, forced displacement and widespread fear.”
He added, “Recent reports indicate a fresh escalation of attacks targeting Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans, Malawians and other African nationals lawfully residing in South Africa.”
The lawmaker further stated that, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed the recent killing of two Nigerian citizens, including one who reportedly died while in police custody and another who was brutally murdered in front of his business premises.”
According to him, “These tragic incidents have once again exposed Nigerians and other Africans to grave danger despite repeated diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and South Africa.”
Gagdi recalled Nigeria’s significant contributions to the struggle against apartheid, describing the current treatment of Nigerians in South Africa as regrettable and unacceptable.
According to him, “Nigeria was one of the foremost nations that stood firmly against apartheid through diplomatic leadership, huge financial support, humanitarian assistance and sustained political pressure that contributed immensely to the liberation of South Africa.
“Thousands of Nigerians made sacrifices, while successive Nigerian governments committed enormous national resources in support of the anti-apartheid struggle, believing in the ideals of African solidarity, justice and freedom.
“It is, therefore, profoundly disturbing that Nigerians and other Africans now face persecution, humiliation and violent attacks in a country whose freedom they helped secure.”
He expressed concern that, “Xenophobic violence has become recurrent, systematic and increasingly deadly.”
He also noted that, “The repeated attacks have continued despite previous assurances by the Government of South Africa that adequate measures would be taken to guarantee the safety of foreign nationals.”
He further lamented that, “Innocent Africans continue to lose their lives while criminal perpetrators often escape justice, thereby encouraging impunity.”
Gagdi criticised comments allegedly made by a South African junior minister, saying, “Any inflammatory or hateful public statement capable of inciting hostility against Nigerians or other African nationals, as presented by the South African junior minister, is irresponsible, unacceptable and capable of aggravating an already volatile security situation.”
He warned that, “The continued attacks undermine the ideals of African unity, pan-Africanism, regional integration and peaceful coexistence upon which the African Union was founded.”
The lawmaker cautioned that failure to decisively tackle the recurring attacks could further expose Nigerians in South Africa to danger, stressing that the continued inaction of the South African government “may embolden perpetrators and weaken confidence in regional institutions established to protect African citizens.”
Supporting the motion, Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) called on the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts with Pretoria to halt the attacks.
“Some measures must be taken to address this problem. We are worried that despite the engagement between our government and that of South Africa, the xenophobic attacks have continued, with the South African security architecture looking away. The blood of our innocent citizens is on the hands of these security personnel,” he said.
Moshood Akiolu, representing Lagos, reflected on Nigeria’s role in ending apartheid, saying, “The money we spent to put an end to apartheid could have been used for something else,” while urging the National Assembly to invite officials of the South African High Commission in Nigeria to explain steps being taken to safeguard Nigerians.
Also contributing, Ghali Tijjani from Kano advocated stronger action against South Africa.
“The attacks against Nigerians did not start today. We cannot keep maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with a country that is doing nothing to stop the killing of Nigerians in its territory,” he said.
Similarly, Adebayo Adepoju, representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency of Oyo State, called for international legal action and support for affected Nigerians.
“There must be a way to address the injustice being done to our people. We must seek the help of international law to seek redress. We must also find a way to assist them to start life again because beginning afresh will not be easy for most of them,” he said.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria to “provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the recent killings and to clearly communicate the official position of the Government of South Africa on the protection of Nigerians and other African nationals.”
The lawmakers also demanded “an independent, transparent, impartial and internationally monitored investigation into the deaths of the affected Nigerians and all other African victims, with a view to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, prosecuted and punished.”
The House further urged the Federal Government to engage the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to ensure accountability and improved protection for African migrants in South Africa.
It also called on the government to deploy all available diplomatic and legal channels to seek redress for violations of international obligations owed to Nigerians, including pursuing international judicial remedies where necessary.
In addition, lawmakers asked the Federal Government to review bilateral relations with South Africa and, where appropriate, suspend or recalibrate aspects of cooperation until “credible, measurable and verifiable guarantees” are provided for the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals.
The House also called for improved consular services, legal assistance, emergency evacuation plans and reintegration support for Nigerians willing to return home.
As part of its resolutions, the House agreed to establish an ad hoc committee to engage the South African Parliament, the South African government, the African Union and other relevant institutions, investigate the recurring attacks and report back within 21 days.
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have remained a recurring source of diplomatic friction between Abuja and Pretoria for more than a decade.
Major outbreaks recorded in 2008, 2015 and 2019 claimed several lives and destroyed businesses belonging to foreign nationals, including Nigerians.
Although South African authorities have repeatedly condemned the violence and pledged stronger protection for migrants, concerns have continued over the safety of foreign nationals and the prosecution of those responsible.
