‘Nigeria Helped Secure South Africa’s Freedom’ – Reps Fume Over Xenophobic Attacks

The House of Representatives on Thursday called on the Federal Government to impose strong diplomatic measures against South Africa over renewed xenophobic attacks, extrajudicial killings and alleged systematic persecution of Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.

The lawmakers also demanded a review of Nigeria’s bilateral relations with South Africa, warning that aspects of diplomatic and economic cooperation could be suspended or recalibrated until Pretoria provides “credible, measurable and verifiable guarantees” for the safety of Nigerians.

Naija News reports that the resolution followed the unanimous adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of 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,” was considered during plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

Moving the motion, Gagdi said Nigeria could no longer remain silent in the face of repeated attacks on its citizens despite years of diplomatic engagements with the South African authorities.

“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 said.

The lawmaker said recent reports indicated a fresh escalation of attacks against African migrants living in South Africa.

“Recent reports indicate a fresh escalation of attacks targeting Nigerians, Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, Zambians, Mozambicans, Malawians and other African nationals lawfully residing in South Africa,” he added.

Gagdi said the Federal Government had confirmed the recent deaths of two Nigerians, including one person who allegedly died in police custody.

“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,” he stated.

According to him, the incidents had again exposed Nigerians and other African nationals to serious danger despite repeated diplomatic engagements between Abuja and Pretoria.

“These tragic incidents have once again exposed Nigerians and other Africans to grave danger despite repeated diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and South Africa,” he said.

Recalling Nigeria’s leading role in the campaign against apartheid, Gagdi described the continued attacks on Nigerians as disturbing and unacceptable.

He said Nigeria provided diplomatic, financial, humanitarian and political support to the anti-apartheid struggle.

“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,” Gagdi said.

The Plateau lawmaker expressed concern that xenophobic attacks had become recurrent and increasingly deadly.

“Xenophobic violence has become recurrent, systematic and increasingly deadly,” he said.

He added that the attacks had persisted despite assurances from the South African government that foreign nationals would be protected.

“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 stated.

Gagdi lamented that perpetrators of attacks on African migrants often escaped prosecution.

“Innocent Africans continue to lose their lives while criminal perpetrators often escape justice, thereby encouraging impunity,” he added.

Gagdi also criticised comments allegedly made by a South African junior minister, describing inflammatory statements capable of worsening tensions as unacceptable.

“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 said.