Nigerian and South African lawmakers have engaged in a heated disagreement over the description of violence against foreign nationals in South Africa, with the dispute occurring during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The disagreement centred on whether attacks targeting foreign nationals should formally be described as xenophobia, with Nigerian lawmakers insisting that the term accurately reflects the nature of the violence, while their South African counterparts argued that the issue should instead be viewed through the lens of illegal migration and enforcement of immigration laws.
The CPA Africa Region Conference brought together more than 300 parliamentarians and government officials from across the continent to deliberate on issues including democracy, human rights, governance, regional cooperation and the protection of citizens.
The dispute emerged during discussions on the treatment of foreign nationals and the growing concerns over attacks against migrants in South Africa.
Nigerian representatives reportedly argued that the failure to describe attacks against foreigners as xenophobic could downplay the discrimination and hostility experienced by migrants in the country.
They maintained that when individuals are targeted because they are perceived to be foreigners, nationality becomes a defining factor in the violence and therefore should not be removed from the discussion.
The Nigerian lawmakers reportedly called for the recent attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa to be clearly identified as xenophobia, warning that the use of softer or alternative descriptions could obscure the underlying problem.
They argued that African countries have a responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of all Africans, regardless of their country of origin, and that regional cooperation should not be undermined by hostility towards citizens of neighbouring countries.
However, South African representatives strongly opposed the position, insisting that discussions on the matter should take into account the country’s immigration challenges.
The South African delegation argued that concerns surrounding undocumented migration, compliance with immigration regulations and enforcement of national laws must form an important part of any conversation about tensions involving foreign nationals.
They reportedly rejected the suggestion that every incident involving migrants should automatically be classified as xenophobic, maintaining that South Africa, like other sovereign nations, has the right to regulate immigration and enforce its laws.
The disagreement highlighted the wider tension surrounding migration within Africa, particularly the movement of people across borders in search of employment and better economic opportunities.
South Africa has for years attracted migrants from different African countries, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many migrants have established businesses, pursued professional careers or taken up employment in various sectors of the South African economy.
However, high unemployment, economic hardship and competition for limited opportunities have periodically fuelled resentment against foreigners in some communities.
Attacks on foreign-owned businesses and migrants have previously triggered concerns across the continent, with Nigeria and other African countries repeatedly expressing concern over the safety of their citizens in South Africa.
The latest disagreement at the CPA conference therefore goes beyond the choice of terminology. It reflects contrasting perspectives on the causes of tension between South Africans and foreign nationals.
While Nigerian lawmakers focused on the protection of migrants and the dangers of discrimination based on nationality, South African representatives emphasised the importance of immigration control and respect for domestic laws.
The clash also underscores the difficulties African countries face in balancing the principles of free movement and continental integration with national concerns over migration, employment, security and public order.
The African Union has consistently promoted greater integration among member states, including initiatives aimed at facilitating the movement of Africans across national borders. However, implementation of such ideals remains complicated by differences in national immigration policies and economic conditions.
For Nigeria, the protection of its citizens abroad remains a major diplomatic concern, particularly when reports emerge of attacks or discrimination against Nigerians.
The debate in Lilongwe is therefore likely to attract further attention as African lawmakers continue discussions on how best to address migration-related tensions while protecting human rights.
The disagreement also reinforces calls for African governments to develop stronger mechanisms for addressing disputes involving migrants and ensuring that allegations of violence are properly investigated.
As the CPA Africa Region Conference continues its deliberations, the exchange between Nigerian and South African lawmakers has brought renewed focus to the need for a continent-wide conversation on xenophobia, migration and the rights of African citizens living outside their countries of origin.
Ultimately, the challenge for African leaders is to find a balance between the legitimate right of countries to enforce immigration laws and the equally important responsibility to ensure that foreigners are protected from violence, discrimination and collective punishment.
