Nigerian and South African Lawmakers Clash Over Xenophobic Attacks at Commonwealth Conference in Malawi
Nigerian and South African lawmakers had a heated exchange during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The disagreement happened during a discussion about attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa and how such incidents should be described and addressed.
The conference brought together more than 300 lawmakers and government officials from different African countries to discuss important issues, including democracy, human rights and cooperation among African nations.
Nigerian Representatives Demand Use of ‘Xenophobia’
During the discussion, Nigerian representatives called for attacks against foreigners in South Africa to be clearly described as xenophobic attacks.
They argued that avoiding the word “xenophobia” could make it difficult to properly recognise and address discrimination and violence directed at people because they are foreigners.
The Nigerian lawmakers stressed that attacks targeting foreign nationals should be treated seriously and discussed openly.
South African Representatives Disagree
South African representatives strongly disagreed with the Nigerian position.
They argued that discussions about the situation should also consider the issue of illegal migration and the enforcement of South Africa’s immigration laws.
The disagreement between the two sides became heated as lawmakers presented different views on the causes of tensions between South Africans and foreign nationals.
The South African representatives maintained that the country’s immigration challenges should not be ignored when discussing violence involving foreign nationals.
Long-Running Concern Between Nigeria and South Africa
Relations between Nigeria and South Africa have occasionally been affected by reports of attacks against foreigners in South Africa.
Nigerians have been among foreign nationals affected by some of these incidents, leading to concerns from the Nigerian government and public.
The issue of xenophobia has also remained a sensitive subject in relations between the two countries, with Nigeria repeatedly expressing concern about the safety of its citizens living or doing business in South Africa.
The latest disagreement at the Commonwealth conference shows that the issue remains highly sensitive, even at international and parliamentary gatherings.
The CPA Africa Region Conference provides a platform for lawmakers from different African countries to discuss issues affecting the continent. However, the debate between the Nigerian and South African representatives showed that countries can have very different views on how to address cross-border and migration-related problems.
The discussion ended with both sides maintaining their positions on the issue.
Watch a video of the heated debate below.
