BREAKING NEWS: Tinubu Urges ECOWAS to Take United Stand Against Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa

Tinubu Urges ECOWAS to Take United Stand Against Attacks on Nigerians in South Africa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on African leaders to collectively condemn the recurring attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa, stressing that silence on the issue could encourage intolerance and xenophobia across the continent.

The appeal was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of the President during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held on Sunday in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The position of the Nigerian government was made public in a statement released through the official social media platform of Vice President Shettima.

Tinubu Condemns Xenophobic Attacks

Addressing regional leaders, President Tinubu strongly condemned the recent attacks targeting Nigerians and other African citizens in South Africa. The incidents have repeatedly generated diplomatic concerns between Nigeria and South Africa, prompting several government-led evacuation exercises in the past.

According to the statement, the President emphasized the need for African nations to speak with one voice against xenophobia, noting that such acts have no place in a continent striving for unity and integration.

“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” Tinubu said through Vice President Shettima.

He further supported the suggestion earlier raised by the President of Ghana, urging ECOWAS to adopt a unified position and present the matter at the next session of the African Union Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Over 1,490 Nigerians Evacuated

The President disclosed that the Federal Government has evacuated more than 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven separate batches as a response to previous waves of attacks.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare and security of its citizens abroad and will continue diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to address the recurring incidents.

He added that Nigeria is prepared to take further necessary measures to protect its nationals should the situation worsen.

Support for Regional Integration

Beyond addressing security concerns, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the newly developed ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration.

He described the initiative as a strategic framework designed to deepen cooperation among member states, strengthen regional institutions, and restore public confidence in governance structures across West Africa.

According to the President, the compact demonstrates ECOWAS’ commitment to maintaining meaningful regional integration despite evolving geopolitical and economic challenges facing the continent.

Looking Ahead

Tinubu's call for a united African response highlights growing concerns over the safety of African migrants within the continent. As ECOWAS leaders continue discussions on regional cooperation and development, Nigeria is seeking stronger continental action to ensure that xenophobic attacks are decisively addressed and prevented from recurring.