Nigerian, South African Lawmakers Clash Over Xenophobia at CPA Conference

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 Nigerian, South African Lawmakers Clash Over Xenophobia at CPA Conference


A diplomatic disagreement erupted between Nigerian and South African lawmakers during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference in Lilongwe, Malawi, after delegates disagreed over how violence targeting foreign nationals should be described and addressed.


The dispute centred on the use of the term “xenophobia” to describe attacks and hostility directed at foreign nationals in South Africa.


Nigerian lawmakers argued that violence against people because they are foreigners should be recognised and addressed as xenophobic violence. They maintained that the issue should not be reduced solely to questions surrounding immigration status or border control.


South African lawmakers, however, challenged that position, arguing that discussions about violence involving foreign nationals should also take into account issues surrounding undocumented migration, immigration enforcement and compliance with South African laws.


The disagreement became heated as both sides defended their respective positions, turning what began as a policy discussion into a tense exchange between the two delegations.


The confrontation reflects the longstanding sensitivity surrounding relations between Nigeria and South Africa, particularly over the treatment of Nigerian nationals and other African migrants living in South Africa.


South Africa has experienced several incidents of violence and hostility involving foreign nationals over the years, while Nigeria has repeatedly expressed concern over the safety and treatment of its citizens in the country.


The disagreement at the CPA conference therefore goes beyond terminology, highlighting a broader debate over how African governments should balance immigration enforcement with the protection of foreign nationals from discrimination and violence.


The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region Conference brings together lawmakers from across the continent to discuss governance, democracy, development and issues affecting regional cooperation.


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