Nigeria Suspends Official Visits to South Africa Amid Attacks

The National Assembly of Nigeria has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed its lawmakers and officials to boycott any legislative activities hosted or organized by South Africa, effective immediately. This decision, confirmed by a statement from Kamoru Ogunlana, the clerk to the National Assembly, is a response to ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other nationals in South Africa.

Nigerian authorities have documented the severity of the crisis, with Sola Enikanolaiye, Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, reporting that 98 Nigerians have been killed in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022. The National Assembly expressed grave concern over the violence against Nigerians and other Africans.

The resolution prohibits all official visits, including virtual participation in South African legislative engagements. Ogunlana will communicate this resolution to ensure compliance among all members and staff.

Despite the suspension, the clerk emphasized that it is a protest action rather than a permanent severance of relations between Nigeria and South Africa.