The Nigeria parliament has suspended official visits to South Africa in protest against ongoing violence targeting migrants, including attacks on Nigerian citizens. Akin Rotimi, spokesperson for the lower house, announced on Friday that the decision applies to the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials, and staff, and also includes virtual meetings.
“The National Assembly cannot ignore the persistent attacks on citizens abroad,” Rotimi noted. Clerk to the National Assembly Kamoru Ogunlana stated that the parliament is particularly concerned by reports of killings, injuries, and the forced displacement of Nigerians who have been compelled to abandon their businesses, investments, homes, and other property due to regular attacks.
Reasons for migration tensions
South Africa, one of the continent’s most industrialized economies, has long been a destination for both legal and illegal migrants. At the same time, the country faces high unemployment, poor social services, and high crime rates. Analysts say these problems are increasingly blamed on migrants, even though they are largely linked to long-standing issues with government administration.
Nigeria has become increasingly vocal against the violence, accusing South Africa of failing to take sufficient measures to stop it.
Last week in Durban, marchers attacked a camp housing citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo, sparking violent clashes. In other instances, protesters went door-to-door, forcibly removing people and handing them over to the police. The attacks have even affected migrants with legal documentation.
Attacks on Nigerians
In June, two Nigerians died during anti-migrant violence in South Africa, just two days before an unofficial deadline set by protesters for foreigners to leave. The Nigeria Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that one of them was likely killed by police, while the other was killed by unidentified attackers.
In July, Nigeria Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye hosted South Africa Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola in Abuja to discuss the regular attacks. During the meeting, Sola Enikanolaiye stated that since 2022, at least 98 Nigerians have died as a result of mob attacks, hate-motivated violence, and extrajudicial killings.
Tensions in South Africa spiked after protesters set June 30 as a deadline for illegal migrants to leave. According to the South Africa Police Service, at least 4 migrants have died in related violence, though governments of some countries report higher death tolls.
According to the latest data from the South Africa government, nearly 90,000 people have been voluntarily repatriated or deported since the start of the migration crisis. However, data from the governments of the migrants’ home countries suggest the figure is approximately 178,000 people.
Source: Al Jazeera
