South Africa: Tinubu Takes Fight Against Xenophobic, Afrophobic Attacks By South Africa to AU

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has formally alerted the African Union about the wave of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks targeting Africans and other nationals in South Africa. He emphasized that these incidents erode the continent's solidarity, unity, and peaceful coexistence, urging collective action from African leaders. Tinubu made this appeal during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Luanda, Angola, where he called for the matter to be placed on the agenda for the upcoming 40th Ordinary Session of the Assembly, scheduled for January 2027.

He stressed that dialogue, preventive diplomacy, and collective efforts are crucial in preserving African unity and preventing conflicts, which he deemed more cost-effective and sustainable than managing them. Tinubu also urged arms-producing and exporting countries to prevent weapons and ammunition from falling into the hands of terrorists and other non-state armed groups, to strengthen the AU's conflict prevention mechanisms and promote African ownership.