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Nigeria Suspends Official Visits to South Africa Over Anti-Migrant Violence

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Just the facts

Lower chamber spokesman Akin Rotimi and National Assembly Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana announced the travel suspension, citing reported killings, physical injuries, and property destruction suffered by Nigerian nationals living in South Africa. Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye reported that at least 98 Nigerians have died in mob violence, hate-related attacks, and extrajudicial incidents since 2022. Escalating anti-foreigner demonstrations set a June deadline for undocumented migrants to depart, driving between 90,000 and 178,000 foreign residents to flee or undergo deportation. South African officials attribute elevated social friction to high domestic unemployment, elevated crime rates, and strained public services, while foreign governments have criticized local law enforcement responses.

Why this is news

Nigeria's National Assembly voted to suspend all official visits and virtual engagements with South Africa in protest against ongoing violent attacks targeting foreign nationals and Nigerian citizens. The parliamentary decision follows months of anti-immigrant unrest and displacement across South African cities.

Sources

This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.

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