Tinubu urges AU action on Xenophobic, Afrophobic attacks in South Africa

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has expressed concern to the African Union (AU) regarding the surge in xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and foreign nationals in South Africa. Tinubu requested African leaders to address this issue at the AU's upcoming 40th Ordinary Session, which is set for January 2027. The president's stance was conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly held in Luanda, Angola.

Tinubu emphasized the need for African leaders to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the safety, dignity, and rights of all Africans throughout the continent. He stated, "Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa." While acknowledging South Africa's authority to enforce its immigration laws and its contributions to the continent, Tinubu stressed that such attacks erode African solidarity, unity, and peaceful coexistence and require immediate collective attention.

The president urged the AU to prioritize the matter on its agenda for consideration and appropriate action at the upcoming session. Tinubu also called for the AU to bolster its efforts to combat xenophobia and Afrophobia across the continent, asserting that "dialogue, preventive diplomacy, and collective action remain essential to preserving African unity."

Regarding Africa's broader security concerns, Nigeria supported the adoption of the Luanda Action Plan as a means to enhance conflict prevention. Tinubu argued that preventing conflicts would be more cost-effective and sustainable than managing them after they occur. He cautioned that separate and uncoordinated peace efforts, along with increasing foreign involvement through military forces, mercenaries, and private defense companies, could diminish Africa's capacity to manage its own conflicts.

Tinubu encouraged weapon manufacturers and exporters to collaborate closely with African governments to prevent weapons and ammunition from falling into the hands of terrorists and other armed groups. He noted that the AU possesses robust systems for conflict prevention and resolution, but trust deficits and poor implementation have continued to diminish their effectiveness.