President Bola Tinubu has formally reported recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa to the African Union (AU).
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Luanda, Angola, called for the matter to be placed on the agenda of the 40th Ordinary Session of the Assembly scheduled for January 2027.
The President said the attacks undermined African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence, and required urgent collective action.
“Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa,” he said.
While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Tinubu urged African leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the safety, protection and dignity of all Africans.
He also called for stronger continental efforts to combat xenophobia and Afrophobia through dialogue, preventive diplomacy and collective action.
On security, the President backed the adoption of the Luanda Action Plan as a roadmap for strengthening conflict prevention across Africa.
“For Nigeria, conflict prevention remains more cost-effective and sustainable than conflict management,” Tinubu said.
He warned that increasing reliance on foreign military forces, mercenaries and private defence contractors could weaken African institutions and the principle of African ownership.
Tinubu also called on arms-producing countries to prevent the diversion of weapons and ammunition to terrorists and other non-state armed groups.
He urged African leaders to strengthen cooperation, support sustainable financing for AU peace operations and fully operationalise UN Security Council Resolution 2719.
“Let us therefore renew our collective commitment to solidarity, cooperation, and shared responsibility as we build the Africa we want,” he said.
