President Bola Tinubu has called on African leaders to present a united front against the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing the violence against fellow Africans as unacceptable.
The appeal was made during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The President warned that silence could weaken Africa’s unity. Therefore, he urged leaders across the continent to condemn the attacks with one voice and send a strong message against intolerance.
Tinubu also disclosed that Nigeria has already evacuated more than 1,490 citizens affected by the crisis. Meanwhile, he said the Federal Government remains ready to take additional steps to protect Nigerians if necessary.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described the attacks as deeply disturbing.
He insisted that violence against Africans living in another African country should never be accepted.
According to him:
“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa.”
Furthermore, the President backed Ghana’s proposal for ECOWAS to jointly condemn the violence.
He also supported taking the matter before the African Union during its next summit.
According to Tinubu, African countries must remain united whenever such incidents occur.
He stressed that a common position would send a clear message across the continent.
He said a united African voice would show that:
“This type of intolerance is totally unacceptable under any guise.”
Moreover, Tinubu reminded South Africa of the sacrifices made by African nations during its struggle against apartheid.
He said many countries, including Nigeria, stood firmly behind South Africa’s liberation movement.
According to him:
“South Africa should be reminded that the freedom it currently enjoys is the result of the sacrifices and liberation efforts of African countries, including Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, Tinubu revealed that Nigeria had already evacuated over 1,490 of its citizens through seven separate operations.
He added that further engagement remains possible if the situation requires additional action.
Beyond the security concerns, the President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration within ECOWAS.
He welcomed the newly adopted ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration.
According to him, the framework will help rebuild trust among member states. Furthermore, Tinubu restated Nigeria’s support for constitutional democracy.
He said the country remains committed to the rule of law and respect for human rights.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s “zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.”
In addition, the President pledged support for the proposed ECOWAS Counter Terrorism Force.
He said Nigeria would continue supporting stronger intelligence sharing and joint security operations.
Efforts to improve cross-border infrastructure and remove trade barriers were also highlighted.
