Xenophobic Violence: Reps Demand Recall of Nigeria’s Envoy From South Africa

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, National News, News Thursday, April 16th, 2015

Ayodele Afolabi, Abuja – The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to recall Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa over unabated Xenophobic attacks on citizens of other African countries living in the country.

Members of the House warned that Nigeria will no longer tolerate killings of its citizens.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent matter of urgent National importance moved by the chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Matters, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on the xenophobic attacks on Africans in South Africa.

Members deployed the recent attacks which has left many dead, businesses and shops vandalised, many beaten up, which was allegedly incited by a statement made by the South African Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini, who was said to have ordered African migrants to return to their countries as they are no longer welcome in South Africa.

“Nigeria frowns at the attacks and will no longer tolerate the killing of its nationals in South Africa. President Goodluck Jonathan must immediately convey this to President Zuma as a matter of urgency.

“Nigeria should recall its High Commissioner from South Africa pending when the attacks will stop,” the House resolved.

The House also appealed to the federal government to apply the diplomatic principle of reciprocity in dealing with South Africa, noting that if South Africa continues to frustrate Nigeria businesses, Nigeria must also do the same to South Africa businesses in the country.