President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a united African response to the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, urging the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to formally raise the matter before the African Union (AU).
The President said the attacks are unacceptable and should be addressed collectively to prevent similar incidents across the continent.
Tinubu Condemns Attacks on Nigerians
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, Tinubu strongly condemned what he described as Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa.
“Nigeria condemns in strong terms the recent Afrophobic attack on its citizens and other fellow Africans in the Republic of South Africa.
“As already mentioned by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should present this matter before the next meeting of the Authority of the African Union to send a clear message that this type of behaviour is unacceptable,” he said.
Reminds South Africa of Africa’s Liberation Support
Tinubu also reminded South Africa of the solidarity it received from other African nations during the struggle against apartheid.
According to the President, countries such as Nigeria played significant roles in supporting South Africa’s liberation, making attacks on fellow Africans particularly concerning.
“South Africa should be reminded that the freedom the country currently enjoys is due to the liberation efforts of African countries such as Nigeria,” he added.
Nigeria Has Evacuated Nearly 1,500 Citizens
The President disclosed that the Federal Government had already evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven separate batches.
He said Nigeria remains ready to continue diplomatic engagement over the issue while working to protect its citizens abroad.
His comments follow recent remarks by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who indicated that Nigeria could consider retaliatory measures if the attacks persist.
The National Assembly has also condemned the attacks and is reviewing the situation, while Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana (SAN) has urged the Federal Government to pursue legal action against South Africa before the African Court.
Tinubu Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to ECOWAS
Beyond the xenophobia issue, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the newly adopted ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a blueprint for strengthening regional cooperation, economic growth, democratic governance and sustainable development.
“As the largest economy and one of the key founding members of our Regional Economic Community, Nigeria remains steadfast in its historic responsibility to continue the promotion of regional unity, peace, economic integration and democratic governance,” he said.
He also pledged Nigeria’s continued commitment to removing trade barriers, improving cross-border infrastructure and promoting the free movement of people, goods and services across West Africa.
Calls for Good Governance and Regional Security
Addressing governance challenges in the sub-region, Tinubu said insecurity and political instability continue to hinder development.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for constitutional democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, while warning against unconstitutional changes of government and manipulation of constitutional term limits.
“Beyond adventurism, the most effective tool against unconstitutional changes of government and mass protests capable of undermining public order is for us to enthrone good governance that delivers more tangible benefits to our citizens.
“We must also avoid the temptation to tamper with constitutional term limits or exploit constitutional processes,” he said.
The President also reiterated Nigeria’s backing for the proposed ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force, enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military operations and preventive diplomacy to address growing security threats across West Africa.
Regional Leaders Focus on Integration
Host President Julius Maada Bio said the summit provided an opportunity for ECOWAS leaders to evaluate the bloc’s progress and chart a new course for regional development.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray highlighted achievements in democratic governance, election support, regional security cooperation and humanitarian response.
He also pointed to major infrastructure initiatives—including the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Project—as key drivers of West Africa’s long-term economic integration.
Tinubu’s appeal signals Nigeria’s push for a continent-wide response to xenophobic violence while reinforcing its broader commitment to regional integration, democratic governance and collective security.
The call also places additional diplomatic pressure on the African Union and ECOWAS to develop a coordinated strategy for protecting African citizens living and working across the continent…..See More
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