Nigerian and South African lawmakers have clashed over allegations of xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa during the 55th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference held in Malawi.
The heated exchange reportedly centred on recent attacks involving foreign nationals in South Africa, with Nigerian representatives describing the incidents as xenophobic and calling for investigations into the alleged violence and treatment of migrants.
Nigerian lawmakers argued that attacks targeting foreigners should not be overlooked and urged authorities to take steps to protect migrants and establish accountability for those responsible.
However, South African delegates strongly rejected the characterisation of the incidents as simply xenophobic. They argued that any meaningful discussion should also address concerns surrounding illegal immigration, border control and enforcement of immigration laws.
The disagreement quickly became heated, with representatives from both countries defending their respective positions. Videos of the confrontation circulating online have drawn attention to the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding migration, xenophobia and the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.
The South African lawmakers maintained that concerns over undocumented migration and border security should form part of the conversation, while their Nigerian counterparts focused on the protection of African migrants and the need to investigate reported attacks.
The dispute reflects longstanding tensions between Nigeria and South Africa over the treatment of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa. Previous incidents of violence against migrants have repeatedly triggered public concern and diplomatic reactions between the two countries.
Despite the arguments at the conference, the lawmakers reportedly failed to reach a unified position or statement on the issue.
The confrontation has once again highlighted the complex relationship between migration, national security, border enforcement and xenophobia across Africa, while raising questions about how African governments and parliamentary institutions can address violence against migrants without ignoring legitimate immigration concerns.
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The incident at the Malawi conference is likely to fuel further debate over the responsibility of African governments to protect foreign nationals while enforcing their immigration laws.
