Tinubu Sends Strong Message To AU Over Rising Xenophobic Attacks Against Nigerians

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on African leaders to take urgent and collective steps to address xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

Tinubu made the call while addressing the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Luanda, Angola, where he urged the continental body to take decisive action to protect the safety and dignity of Africans living across the continent.

According to Ireporter Online, the President stressed that recurring attacks against fellow Africans were inconsistent with the principles of African unity, solidarity and peaceful coexistence. He therefore urged the AU to place the issue on the agenda of its forthcoming 40th Ordinary Session scheduled for January 2027 for consideration and appropriate action.

Tinubu, who was represented at the meeting by Vice President Kashim Shettima, acknowledged South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws and regulate migration. However, he maintained that immigration enforcement could not be used to justify violence, intimidation or attacks against African nationals.

The President called for dialogue, preventive diplomacy and coordinated continental efforts rather than confrontation, saying such measures were necessary to address the underlying tensions and strengthen unity among African nations.

His intervention followed renewed reports of anti-immigrant agitation and violence in South Africa, with Nigerians and citizens from other African countries reportedly facing threats, harassment and attacks.

The Federal Government has also intensified diplomatic engagement with South Africa over the situation. Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu had earlier warned that Nigeria could consider retaliatory measures if violent attacks against Nigerians persisted.

Amid the worsening situation, the Nigerian government embarked on evacuation exercises for citizens who felt threatened. A total of 1,490 Nigerians were reportedly evacuated through seven coordinated flights between June 10 and July 15.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has maintained that while it recognises South Africa’s authority to enforce its immigration laws, suspected offenders should be handled through established legal processes rather than mob action or xenophobic violence.

The issue was discussed alongside broader security concerns affecting Nigeria and the region. Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (retd.) said the government was strengthening border management measures to prevent security threats linked to instability in the Sahel from spilling into Nigeria.

Musa disclosed that efforts were also underway to improve the manpower and operational capabilities of the Armed Forces and other security agencies as part of measures to tackle emerging threats across the country.

He further stressed the importance of reliable data in strengthening national security and supporting effective development planning, assuring Nigerians that the government remained committed to restoring lasting peace and stability.

The meeting was attended by senior Nigerian officials, including Interior Minister Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Angola, Ambassador Maxy Ogbede.

Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians living abroad and creating opportunities for members of the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to national development.