President Bola Tinubu has raised concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians, other Africans and foreign nationals in South Africa, urging the African Union (AU) to take urgent action.
Tinubu conveyed Nigeria’s position through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Luanda, Angola.
He urged African leaders to place the issue on the agenda of the 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly scheduled for January 2027. While reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of Nigerians and other African nationals across the continent.
“Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa,” Tinubu said.
The president, thus acknowledging South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, stressed that the attacks targeting foreign nationals are threatening African unity, solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
He, however, called for stronger measures to combat xenophobia and Afrophobia through dialogue, preventive diplomacy and collective action. He enjoined the AU and member states to strengthen mechanisms to prevent violence against African nationals and promote peaceful coexistence.
Tinubu expressed support for the Luanda Action Plan on conflict prevention, describing prevention as more cost effective and sustainable than responding after conflicts erupt.
He further warned that the involvement of foreign military forces, mercenaries and private defence contractors in African security matters could undermine the continent’s ownership of peace and security initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Presidency said Tinubu’s three week vacation would allow him to rest and refuel ahead of an intense period of political activity.
Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said the President had remained heavily engaged with governance for six to seven months and needed time to recharge.
Dare added that governance would continue during the break, with Tinubu monitoring developments and receiving updates on affairs of state as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
