ABUJA, Nigeria: Nigeria-South Africa visits by lawmakers and officials have been suspended as the National Assembly protests against anti-immigrant violence in South Africa continue.
The parliament said it could not ignore persistent attacks on Nigerian citizens abroad. Nigerians are being killed, injured, displaced or forced to abandon their businesses.
The suspension also covers online engagements with South Africa. South Africa has faced months of demonstrations targeting foreign nationals.
Last week, marchers confronted an encampment of Congolese nationals in Durban, triggering violent clashes. The country has long attracted documented and undocumented migrants because of its comparatively large economy.
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However, South Africa also faces high unemployment, pressure on public services and high crime rates. Analysts said immigrants have increasingly been blamed for those problems.
Nigeria has repeatedly criticised South African authorities, accusing them of failing to do enough to prevent violence against foreign nationals.
