…Calls for embassy shutdown, review of South African businesses in Nigeria
…Faults National Assembly over alleged silence on attacks against Nigerians
Olayinka Akinpelu
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has called on the Federal Government to impose diplomatic and economic sanctions on South Africa over what it described as persistent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals living in the country.
In a statement issued on 29 May, the human rights organisation accused the South African government under President Cyril Ramaphosa of failing to take decisive action against perpetrators of xenophobic violence, alleging that continued inaction had encouraged attacks, intimidation, destruction of businesses and killings of African migrants.
CDHR National President, Comrade Yinka Folarin, said the repeated attacks represented a direct assault on the ideals of African unity and Pan-African solidarity. He expressed concern that previous diplomatic engagements and condemnations had failed to halt the violence, describing the situation as unacceptable.
The organisation also criticised the leadership and members of the National Assembly of Nigeria for what it termed weak and indifferent responses to the plight of Nigerians abroad. According to CDHR, lawmakers have not demonstrated sufficient urgency through legislative resolutions, public hearings or diplomatic advocacy to address the recurring attacks.
CDHR urged the Federal Government to prioritise the protection of Nigerians in the diaspora and immediately recall Nigeria’s diplomatic representatives from South Africa for consultations. It further called for the closure of the South African Embassy in Nigeria until adequate guarantees for the safety of Nigerians are provided.
The group also demanded the suspension of operations of South African Airways in Nigeria and a comprehensive review of South African-linked businesses operating in the country, including MTN Nigeria, MultiChoice, Stanbic IBTC Holdings and other firms with South African affiliations.
According to the organisation, Nigeria should not continue to provide economic opportunities for South African interests while Nigerians allegedly face hostility and insecurity in South Africa. CDHR warned that failure by the Federal Government to take stronger action could prompt civil society groups to organise lawful mass protests and picketing of South African-linked establishments across Nigeria.
The organisation maintained that urgent and decisive measures were necessary to protect Nigerians abroad and ensure accountability for attacks against African migrants in South Africa.
