Nigeria has suspended all official visits and online engagements with South Africa following renewed concerns over violence targeting foreign nationals.
The Nigerian National Assembly says the decision is aimed at protecting Nigerian citizens living and doing business in South Africa. It says it cannot ignore reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced or losing their businesses during attacks linked to anti-immigrant protests.
The move follows recent unrest in Durban, where a demonstration involving foreign nationals reportedly turned violent after protesters confronted Congolese nationals at an encampment.
Nigeria has repeatedly raised concerns about the treatment of its citizens in South Africa and has called on authorities to do more to protect foreign nationals.
South Africa remains a major destination for migrants from across the continent, including Nigerians, because of its relatively developed economy and employment opportunities.
However, the country continues to face high unemployment, crime and pressure on public services. Immigrants are often blamed for some of these challenges, although analysts argue that the problems have deeper economic and governance-related causes.
The latest decision marks another setback in relations between the two African countries as tensions over the treatment of migrants continue.
