Nigeria bans legislators from working with, visiting South Africa

The Nigerian national assembly has banned its officials from visiting South Africa in response to ongoing violence against immigrants in the country. Akin Rotimi, a spokesperson for Nigeria's lower chamber, announced the suspension of all official visits by the National Assembly, its committees, lawmakers, officials, and staff. The ban also includes virtual and online engagements.

Rotimi stated that the National Assembly cannot ignore the persistent attacks on citizens abroad, citing reports of Nigerians killed, injured, displaced, or forced to abandon their businesses. The violence has been particularly intense in South Africa, one of the continent's most industrialized economies, which has long been a magnet for both undocumented and documented immigrants. However, the country also suffers from high unemployment, weak social services, and high crime rates, which analysts blame on immigrants.

South Africa has been grappling with violent protests against foreigners, with some protests turning deadly. For instance, a protest in Durban last week resulted in violent clashes when marchers descended on an encampment of Congolese nationals. In some instances, protesters have physically dragged people out of their homes and delivered them to police vans, even targeting individuals with legal documents.

Tensions in South Africa escalated after a June 30 deadline was set for undocumented immigrants to leave the country. According to an AFP tally, over 200,000 people fled the nation, with at least four migrants killed in related violence. However, some foreign governments claim the death toll is higher.