Nigeria condemns xenophobic attacks, seeks AU action against South Africa
Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned the recent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, urging the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to present the matter before the African Union (AU) to demonstrate that such violence will not be tolerated.
Shettima made the appeal on Sunday while representing President Bola Tinubu at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and the Summit of the Future in Lungi, Sierra Leone.
According to a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Vice President described the attacks as “Afrophobic” and called on ECOWAS member states to adopt a united position against them.
He said ECOWAS should table the issue at the next African Union summit to send a clear message that attacks against Africans in any member state are unacceptable.
Shettima also reminded South Africa of the support it received from African nations, particularly Nigeria, during its struggle against apartheid.
He disclosed that Nigeria had evacuated 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa in seven batches following the attacks and said the Federal Government remained committed to diplomatic engagement on the matter.
Beyond the xenophobic attacks, the Vice President reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a framework for promoting regional unity, peace, economic growth and people-centred development.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government, stressing that sustainable development depends on peace and stability.
Shettima also urged member states, regional institutions, development partners, civil society groups, women and young people to support the implementation of the ECOWAS Compact.
At the end of the summit, Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was elected Chairman of ECOWAS, succeeding Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio.
Regional leaders also appointed Biram Diop as the new President of the ECOWAS Commission, replacing Dr Omar Alieu Touray.
The summit focused on strengthening regional integration, enhancing peace and security, deepening economic cooperation and addressing emerging challenges across West Africa.
