President Bola Tinubu has called on the African Union (AU) to take urgent action over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
The Nigerian president made the call at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Luanda, Angola, where he was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Mr Tinubu said the attacks threatened African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence, urging continental leaders to respond collectively to what he described as a matter requiring urgent attention.
He called on the AU to place the issue on the agenda of its 40th Ordinary Session, scheduled for January 2027, for consideration and appropriate action.
“Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa,” Mr Tinubu said in remarks delivered by Mr Shettima.
While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws and its contributions to the continent, the president stressed that such attacks could not be separated from Africa’s broader commitment to unity and solidarity.
He urged the AU and its member states to strengthen efforts to combat xenophobia and Afrophobia through dialogue, preventive diplomacy and collective action.
Mr Tinubu also warned that continued hostility towards Africans in other African countries could undermine the principles of continental integration and peaceful coexistence.
The president’s intervention comes amid renewed concerns over attacks targeting African migrants in South Africa, with Nigeria having previously condemned such incidents and called for greater protection of its citizens and other Africans.
Conflict prevention
Beyond the xenophobia issue, Mr Tinubu backed the adoption of the Luanda Action Plan as a framework for strengthening conflict prevention across Africa.
He argued that preventing conflicts was more sustainable and cost-effective than attempting to manage them after they had erupted.
The president also cautioned against growing reliance on foreign military forces, mercenaries and private defence contractors, saying excessive external involvement could weaken African institutions and the principle of African ownership of peace and security efforts.
He called on African countries to strengthen cooperation and assume greater collective responsibility for addressing the continent’s security challenges.
Mr Tinubu further urged arms-producing and exporting countries to work with African states to prevent weapons and ammunition from being diverted to terrorist organisations and other armed groups.
He said stronger cooperation, solidarity and home-grown solutions were essential to building a more peaceful and united Africa.
