The House of Representatives has rejected a proposal urging Nigeria to sever diplomatic ties with South Africa over the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
Gatekeepers News reports that Lawmakers argued that ending diplomatic relations would not provide a lasting solution to the crisis and instead called for stronger diplomatic engagement.
The motion was debated during plenary following renewed attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, which have prompted the Federal Government to begin repatriating citizens willing to return home.
During the debate, some lawmakers recalled Nigeria’s financial and diplomatic support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle and expressed disappointment over the continued attacks on Nigerians. However, the House rejected the proposal to cut ties with Pretoria.
Instead, the lawmakers urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts to ensure the protection of Nigerians living in South Africa and seek justice for victims of the attacks.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has also appealed for calm and unity, stressing that violence against foreign nationals does not reflect the country’s values.
