President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern over the repeated incidents of xenophobic and Afrophobic violence in South Africa, urging the African Union (AU) to respond with a united continental approach.
Tinubu conveyed Nigeria’s position through Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union held in Luanda, Angola.
The Brandspur Politics Desk reports that the Nigerian leader appealed to African heads of state and government to take up the matter during the 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, which is scheduled for January 2027.
Tinubu calls for collective action
Although Tinubu recognised South Africa’s sovereign authority to regulate migration and enforce its immigration laws, he warned that attacks directed at Africans and other foreign nationals weaken the spirit of African unity, integration and peaceful coexistence.
In his message, Nigeria urged the AU Assembly to formally include the issue on its agenda for consideration and appropriate action.
Tinubu said, “Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa.”
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He further stated, “such attacks undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence, and require urgent collective attention.”
Nigeria seeks protection for African nationals
The president also urged African leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the safety, protection and dignity of all African nationals, regardless of where they reside on the continent.
His call places the recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa before the continent’s highest political body for further consideration.
The matter is expected to receive attention at the AU Assembly’s 40th Ordinary Session in January 2027, where African leaders will be asked to consider appropriate action.