Xenophobia: Tinubu reports South Africa to AU, demands action

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria conveyed South Africa's xenophobic and Afrophobic incidents to the African Union (AU). He emphasized the damage to the continent's unity and peace, urging AU leaders to take urgent action at their upcoming assembly in January 2027. Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, requested the AU to prioritize this matter during the 40th Ordinary Session of the Assembly.

He stressed the importance of solidarity, unity, and peaceful coexistence among Africans, highlighting the need for collective attention to this issue. The Nigerian leader advocated for stronger continental efforts to combat xenophobia and Afrophobia, emphasizing the significance of dialogue, diplomacy, and collective action in preserving African unity.

Tinubu also backed the adoption of the Luanda Action Plan as a roadmap for conflict prevention, warning that fragmented peace initiatives and external interference could undermine the AU's mechanisms and principle of African ownership. He urged member states to strengthen cooperation and prevent weapons from being diverted to non-state armed groups.

Additionally, Nigeria called for sustainable and predictable financing for AU peace operations and the full operationalization of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to enhance the continental body's capacity to address conflicts and crises effectively.