President calls for regional condemnation and African Union intervention as concerns grow over attacks on foreign nationals
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to collectively condemn recent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa and push for urgent action by the African Union (AU).
The president's position was conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
According to Tinubu, ECOWAS should present the issue before the African Union to facilitate a coordinated continental response to the attacks. He warned that continued diplomatic silence over such incidents could embolden perpetrators and undermine efforts to promote African unity and security.
The Nigerian government, he said, strongly condemns the attacks and remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad. Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government had previously evacuated more than 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa through seven evacuation flights following earlier incidents of violence and xenophobic unrest.
The president noted that the attacks extend beyond Nigerians and affect citizens of several African countries living and working in South Africa. He emphasized the need for African governments and regional institutions to safeguard the rights, dignity and safety of all Africans regardless of their country of origin.
Reports indicate that Nigeria is also seeking collaboration with Ghana and other African nations to encourage stronger intervention by the African Union on the recurring incidents.
Beyond the security concerns, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria's support for the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, an initiative aimed at deepening regional cooperation, strengthening governance, promoting intra-African trade and developing a unified digital market to expand economic opportunities for young people across West Africa.
He stated that good governance, regional cooperation and the protection of African citizens remain critical to achieving sustainable development and long-term stability across the continent.
The call comes amid renewed discussions within regional and continental bodies on migration, economic integration and the safety of African nationals living outside their home countries.
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