Nigerian President Petitions AU for Urgent Response to Recurrent Xenophobic and Afrophobic Violence in South Africa

 

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has officially requested the African Union (AU) to take immediate collective action against the ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks aimed at African nationals in South Africa. 

This message, presented by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Luanda, Angola, strongly calls for the continental organization to prioritize this urgent matter on the official agenda for the upcoming 40th Ordinary Session of the Assembly, which is set for January 2027.

President Tinubu cautioned that the ongoing anti-immigrant animosity and violence in South Africa pose a direct threat to continental solidarity, unity, and peaceful coexistence.

While recognizing South Africa's sovereign authority to implement its domestic immigration regulations, Nigeria stressed that law enforcement actions cannot serve as a justification for violence or the infringement of the fundamental dignity of foreign nationals.

In addition to addressing xenophobia, Nigeria utilized this platform to advocate for the Luanda Action Plan aimed at conflict prevention. Tinubu criticized the increasing dependence on external mercenaries and foreign private defense contractors, instead promoting the need for sustainable funding of AU peace operations and locally developed solutions.

This initiative represents a significant escalation in Nigeria's diplomatic efforts, following recent surges in anti-immigrant protests that led to the voluntary evacuation of more than 1,500 Nigerian citizens from South Africa.