Nigeria Urges ECOWAS to Take South Africa’s Xenophobic Attacks to African Union
Nigeria has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to escalate the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against Africans in South Africa to the African Union (AU), describing the incidents as unacceptable and a threat to continental unity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the call during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Lungi, Sierra Leone. The President was represented at the summit by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu strongly condemned the attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, urging ECOWAS leaders to present the matter before the African Union to send a firm message that xenophobia has no place on the continent.
He noted that Nigeria had already evacuated 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa in seven batches following the attacks and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s readiness to continue diplomatic engagement on the matter.
The President also reminded South Africa of the role played by several African nations, including Nigeria, in supporting the country’s liberation struggle against apartheid, stressing that such solidarity should not be forgotten.
The renewed position comes amid growing calls for decisive action over repeated attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had earlier hinted that Nigeria was considering retaliatory measures, while the National Assembly is also reviewing the issue. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has equally urged the Federal Government to institute legal action against South Africa before the African Court.
Beyond the xenophobia issue, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the newly adopted ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a strategic framework aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, economic integration, democratic governance and sustainable development.
He pledged Nigeria’s continued support for initiatives that promote free movement of people, goods and services, remove trade barriers and improve cross-border infrastructure across West Africa.
On governance, Tinubu warned against constitutional manipulation and attempts by leaders to extend their tenure through constitutional amendments, describing such actions as major triggers of political instability.
According to him, good governance that delivers tangible benefits to citizens remains the strongest safeguard against unconstitutional changes of government and widespread civil unrest.
The President also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the proposed ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and the strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force to improve intelligence sharing, joint security operations and regional responses to terrorism.
He further called for greater investment in women and youth through education, entrepreneurship and increased participation in leadership, while advocating sustained dialogue with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to preserve regional unity.
Host President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone said the summit offered ECOWAS leaders an opportunity to chart a new course for the region, while President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic governance, security cooperation and major regional infrastructure projects, including the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the Abidjan-Lagos Highway Corridor.
