President Bola Tinubu has called on the African Union (AU) to take collective action against recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
Tinubu made the call through Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Luanda, Angola.
The President urged African leaders to place the issue on the agenda of the AU’s 40th Ordinary Session scheduled for January 2027, stressing that attacks against Africans in another African country undermine the principles of solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence.
While acknowledging South Africa’s right to enforce its immigration laws, Tinubu maintained that such enforcement must not result in violence or discrimination against African nationals.
He called for stronger continental measures to address xenophobia and Afrophobia through dialogue, preventive diplomacy and coordinated action.
Nigeria’s latest position comes amid continuing concerns over the safety of Nigerians living, working and conducting businesses in South Africa. The Federal Government has repeatedly called for adequate protection of its citizens and accountability for perpetrators of attacks.
Tinubu’s appeal places the issue beyond the scope of Nigeria-South Africa relations and seeks an AU-wide approach to protecting Africans across the continent.
The President also backed efforts to strengthen conflict prevention, sustainable financing for African peace operations and greater reliance on African-led solutions to the continent’s security challenges.
The AU is expected to consider Nigeria’s concerns during its forthcoming deliberations on peace, security and continental cooperation.
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