Nigeria and South Africa lawmakers clash over xenophobia label

Nigerian and South African lawmakers engaged in a heated diplomatic dispute during the 55th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference in Lilongwe, Malawi. The disagreement centered on how to characterize violence against foreign nationals in South Africa.

Nigerian delegates argued that recurring attacks on foreigners should be explicitly labeled as xenophobic violence, noting that even individuals with valid documentation are often targeted. They expressed concern that focusing solely on immigration status overlooks the underlying hostility toward foreigners.

In contrast, South African representatives rejected the term xenophobia in this context, asserting that the discussion should prioritize border control, the enforcement of immigration laws, and the management of illegal immigration. The clash occurred as over 300 delegates from 17 African countries gathered to discuss democracy, human rights, and regional cooperation.