By Ghazali Ibrahim
President Bola Tinubu has raised concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa before the African Union.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Luanda, Angola, called for urgent collective action to address the attacks.
He urged African leaders to place the issue on the agenda of the 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly scheduled for January 2027.
“Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa,” Tinubu said.
While acknowledging South Africa’s right to enforce its immigration laws and its contributions to the continent, the President said attacks targeting Africans undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence.
He called for stronger continental efforts against xenophobia and Afrophobia, stressing the importance of dialogue, preventive diplomacy and collective action.
On the broader security situation in Africa, Tinubu backed the adoption of the Luanda Action Plan as a roadmap for conflict prevention, arguing that preventing conflicts was more cost-effective and sustainable than managing them after they erupt.
He also warned that foreign military forces, mercenaries and private defence contractors could weaken African-led peace initiatives and the principle of African ownership.
Tinubu further called on arms-producing and exporting countries to work with African states to prevent weapons and ammunition from being diverted to terrorists and other armed groups.
He urged AU member states to strengthen collective responsibility for peace and security while supporting predictable funding for AU peace operations and the full implementation of 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.
