Nigeria Pushes ECOWAS To Take South Africa Xenophobia Case To AU

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a unified African response to the recent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, urging the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to escalate the matter to the African Union (AU).

According to Ireporter Online, Tinubu made the call during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Lungi, Sierra Leone, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him.

Addressing regional leaders at the summit, the President condemned the reported attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa, describing such actions as unacceptable and calling for a collective continental position against Afrophobic incidents.

Tinubu urged ECOWAS to table the issue before the next AU summit to send a strong message that discrimination and violence against Africans in another African country should not be tolerated.

The President also reminded South Africa of the historic support it received from other African nations, particularly Nigeria, during the struggle against apartheid, noting that the country’s liberation was supported by the collective efforts of the continent.

Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government had evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven batches and assured that Nigeria remained ready to continue diplomatic engagement over the matter.

The development follows concerns raised by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who had earlier indicated that Nigeria could consider further measures in response to the attacks. The National Assembly has also condemned the incidents and commenced reviews on possible actions.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) recently advised the Federal Government to explore legal action against South Africa at the African Court over the reported attacks.

Beyond the xenophobia issue, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional integration through the newly adopted ECOWAS Compact for the Future, describing it as a framework aimed at promoting economic cooperation, peace, democratic governance and sustainable development.

The President stated that Nigeria, as the largest economy and one of the founding members of ECOWAS, would continue to play a leading role in advancing regional unity, improving trade relations and supporting the free movement of people, goods and services across West Africa.

Tinubu also highlighted insecurity and political instability as major challenges affecting development in the region. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for constitutional democracy, human rights and the rule of law while warning against unconstitutional changes of government and attempts to manipulate democratic processes.

He stressed that effective governance and improved living conditions remained the best solutions to preventing political unrest, urging leaders to focus on delivering meaningful benefits to citizens.

The President further expressed support for the proposed ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and efforts to strengthen regional security through intelligence sharing, joint military operations and preventive diplomacy.

He also pledged Nigeria’s continued commitment to empowering women, investing in education, supporting youth entrepreneurship and expanding opportunities across West Africa.

On relations with the Alliance of Sahel States, Tinubu called for continued dialogue and engagement to protect regional unity and strengthen cooperation among ECOWAS members.

The summit host, Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, described the meeting as an opportunity for leaders to assess ECOWAS achievements and chart a new path for the future of West Africa.

ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray highlighted progress made in democratic support, regional security cooperation, humanitarian intervention and major infrastructure projects, including the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Project.