National Assembly halt official trips to South Africa over xenophobic violence

The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa over continuing reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals, according to Nairametrics. A statement by House spokesman Akin Rotimi said the suspension also covers South African-hosted legislative activities, including conferences, seminars and parliamentary exchanges.

The decision followed consultations between Senate and House leadership over reports of Nigerians killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon businesses and homes amid recurring attacks. The Assembly said it was concerned the violence had continued despite repeated appeals to South African authorities to protect foreign nationals and prosecute perpetrators.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen directed the Clerk to communicate the suspension to all lawmakers, committees and staff until further notice.