Barau Calls for Restraint as Senate Probes Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

Barau Calls for Restraint as Senate Probes Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul

KANO — Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has urged lawmakers to exercise restraint as the Senate begins an investigation into the recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.

Barau made the appeal during Thursday’s plenary while contributing to a debate on the attacks, cautioning against hasty measures as the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs had already been mandated to investigate the matter and recommend appropriate action.

“We have already referred the matter to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Let us allow the committee to do its work and come up with recommendations,” Barau said.

While acknowledging the outrage over the attacks, the Deputy Senate President warned that the South African government must act swiftly to prevent the crisis from degenerating into an international legal dispute.

“If countries begin taking complaints to the International Court of Justice over the killing or injury of their citizens in another country, the matter will attract global attention,” he said.

Barau noted that South Africa should address the recurring attacks before they escalate into a diplomatic and legal crisis, recalling that the country had previously supported proceedings before the International Court of Justice on the Palestine issue.

His intervention followed calls by some senators, including Adams Oshiomhole, for tougher measures against South Africa. Among the proposals canvassed was withholding profits earned by South African companies operating in Nigeria to provide relief for victims of the attacks.

However, Barau maintained that the Senate should await the outcome of the committee’s investigation while commending the Federal Government for its ongoing diplomatic engagement with South African authorities.

He also directed the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to submit its report within two weeks for further legislative consideration.