President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, urging African leaders to present a united front against what he described as an unacceptable form of intolerance.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Tinubu said African countries must collectively denounce the attacks and ensure the issue is brought before the next African Union summit.
“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” the President said.
“As already stated by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should present a united voice in this condemnation and table the matter before the next session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
“This would send a clear message that this type of intolerance is totally unacceptable under any guise. South Africa should be reminded that the freedom it currently enjoys is the result of the sacrifices and liberation efforts of African countries, including Nigeria.”
Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government has already evacuated more than 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven batches following the attacks and remains prepared to take additional steps to safeguard affected citizens.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration, endorsing the newly developed ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration. He described the framework as a significant step towards rebuilding trust among member states and strengthening regional cooperation in response to evolving geopolitical challenges.
According to Tinubu, the Compact will reinforce regional solidarity and help build “a more resilient, prosperous, peaceful, and people-centred Community capable of meeting the aspirations of its over 400 million citizens.”
He further urged West African leaders to intensify efforts to combat insecurity and uphold democratic governance across the region.
“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.
“Nigeria will continue to work closely with Member States and all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Compact and the realisation of its six strategic pillars,” he stated.
