Tinubu urges united African stance against xenophobic attacks in South Africa
President Bola Tinubu has called on African leaders to adopt a united position against the recent xenophobic attacks on Africans in South Africa, saying a collective condemnation would send a strong message that such acts of intolerance are unacceptable on the continent.
Tinubu made the call on Sunday at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, also urged member states to intensify cooperation on regional security, trade, digital transformation and democratic governance.
The President’s position was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” Tinubu 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.”
Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria had already evacuated more than 1,490 citizens affected by the attacks in seven batches and was prepared to continue engaging relevant regional institutions on the matter.
He reminded South Africa that “the freedom it currently enjoys is the result of the sacrifices and liberation efforts of African countries, including Nigeria.”
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a roadmap for strengthening regional solidarity and building a more peaceful, resilient and prosperous West Africa.
