Nigeria Assembly Acts on SA Xenophobic Attacks Killing 2

Nigeria's National Assembly took decisive action on Tuesday against renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa, where at least two citizens have been killed in recent incidents involving local security forces.

The Senate, adopting a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey representing Akwa Ibom North East, resolved to establish a joint ad hoc committee with the House of Representatives. The committee, to be led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, will conduct a diplomatic and fact-finding visit to South Africa to engage the South African Parliament and government, conveying Nigeria's strong displeasure over the violence. Lawmakers also directed a letter to the Speaker of the South African Parliament and called for the Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, to brief them on ongoing talks. The chamber reviewed 2019 bilateral agreements to ensure implementation and observed a minute of silence for victims.

The attacks have included physical violence, profiling, harassment, and property destruction, causing widespread fear among Nigerians. The two confirmed deaths occurred last month amid escalating anti-immigrant...