Nigeria’s Parliament Suspends Engagements With South Africa Over Anti-Migrant Violence

NIGERIA – Nigeria’s parliament said Friday that it’s suspending official visits to South Africa indefinitely over anti-immigrant protests targeting other Africans.

The violent protests, which erupted in South Africa earlier this year, have forced thousands of migrants to leave and caused diplomatic tensions with other African nations.

The clerk to Nigeria’s National Assembly, said in a statement that the parliament was “particularly concerned by reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties as a result of recurring violent attacks.”

In June, two Nigerians were killed during anti-migrant violence in South Africa, just two days before an unofficial deadline set by protesters for foreigners to leave. Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry said one was allegedly killed by police officers and the other by unidentified attackers.

The move by the parliament in Nigeria on Friday is a “strong expression” of concern over the safety and welfare of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.