President Bola Tinubu has called on the African Union (AU) to take urgent action over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Africans and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
Tinubu made the demand through Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Luanda, Angola, on Sunday. The President urged African leaders to address the issue collectively and place it on the agenda of the AU’s 40th Ordinary Session scheduled for January 2027.
Nigeria’s intervention comes amid renewed concerns over the treatment of African migrants in South Africa, particularly Nigerians and other foreign nationals. The Federal Government has maintained that disputes over immigration enforcement should not result in violence or attacks against other Africans.
“Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa,” Tinubu said.
He acknowledged South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws and recognised the country’s contributions to Africa, but stressed that attacks against foreigners threaten continental solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
The President called for stronger continental efforts against xenophobia and Afrophobia, advocating dialogue, preventive diplomacy and collective action as tools for protecting Africans across the continent.
The development is significant for Nigeria, which has repeatedly raised concerns over the safety and welfare of its citizens living and doing business in South Africa. It also places the issue within a broader African diplomatic framework rather than limiting it to bilateral relations between Abuja and Pretoria.
Tinubu also used the AU meeting to support the Luanda Action Plan on conflict prevention and called for stronger African ownership of peace and security initiatives.
He warned that excessive reliance on external military actors could weaken African institutions and urged member states to strengthen cooperation in addressing security challenges.
Nigeria’s latest appeal comes as African leaders continue efforts to promote regional stability and cooperation. The proposed discussion at the January 2027 AU Assembly could provide an opportunity for member states to consider broader measures for preventing xenophobia and protecting the rights and dignity of Africans across the continent.
