Nigeria has called for a united African response to the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, urging the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to escalate the matter to the African Union (AU) for collective action.
Speaking at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Sierra Leone, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, strongly condemned the attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa.
He said ECOWAS should present the issue before the African Union to send a clear message that xenophobia has no place on the continent. Tinubu also reminded South Africa of the support it received from several African countries, including Nigeria, during its struggle for freedom.
The President disclosed that Nigeria has evacuated 1,490 citizens from South Africa in seven batches and remains ready to take additional steps to protect its nationals.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a roadmap for promoting regional unity, economic integration, democratic governance, and sustainable development across West Africa.
Tinubu pledged Nigeria’s continued support for initiatives that remove trade barriers, improve cross-border infrastructure, and encourage the free movement of people, goods, and services within the region.
He also stressed the importance of constitutional governance, respect for human rights, and adherence to democratic principles, warning that poor governance and constitutional manipulation contribute to political instability.
The President reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional security through the proposed ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and the ECOWAS Standby Force, aimed at improving intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to terrorism and other security threats.
In addition, he reaffirmed support for gender equality, youth empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship, while emphasizing continued dialogue with the Alliance of Sahel States to preserve regional unity.
ECOWAS Chairman and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio said the summit provided an opportunity for leaders to assess the bloc’s progress and strengthen cooperation toward achieving the goals of ECOWAS Vision 2050.
President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, also reaffirmed the regional body’s commitment to improving governance, security, and economic integration, highlighting major projects such as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway as key drivers of regional development.
