There was tension at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe during the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Annual General Meeting between Nigerian delegates and South Africans over xenophobic attacks.

Delegates from Nigeria and other countries made remarks about xenophobia in South Africa, angering the South Africans, who argued that the term “xenophobia” was inappropriate.

Meanwhile, President of the CPA Africa Region and Speaker of the Malawi National Assembly, Sameer Suleman, said the differences have been resolved and that members are now united again.

“We have discussed various issues concerning our countries, and you saw there arose disagreements over the attacks on foreign African nationals in South Africa. Other delegates raised similar concerns, but after the meeting, we have seen them come together and unite,” said Suleman.

According to Suleman, the conference has achieved its purpose of finding solutions to the declining public trust in parliaments.

“The decisions we have made and resolutions adopted should translate into stronger parliamentary institutions, improved oversight, and greater opportunities for Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff,” he added.

The conference brought together more than 300 delegates from at least 19 Commonwealth countries in Africa.