President Bola Tinubu has called on African Union (AU) to address recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa, warning that the incidents threaten the unity and solidarity of the continent.
Gatekeepers News reports that 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 expressed concern over the recurring attacks, stressing that South Africa’s enforcement of immigration laws should respect the dignity and safety of African nationals.
“Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa,” Tinubu said.
He acknowledged South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws but said such enforcement must be carried out in a manner that protects the rights and dignity of foreign nationals.
Tinubu urged the AU to place the issue on the agenda of its 40th Ordinary Session scheduled for January 2027, saying a collective continental response was necessary to address xenophobia and Afrophobia.
He said Nigeria remained committed to African unity and peaceful coexistence, adding that recurring attacks on Africans could undermine the continent’s integration efforts.
The President also called for stronger mechanisms to protect Africans living in other African countries and urged continued diplomatic engagement to find lasting solutions to the issue.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over anti-foreigner sentiments and attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
