Tinubu Calls for United African Response to Anti-Nigerian Attacks in South Africa at ECOWAS Summit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on African leaders to adopt a unified stance against recurring attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, arguing that collective silence could embolden xenophobia across the continent.

The appeal was delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held on Sunday in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The position was later made public through a statement shared on the official social media platform of the Vice President.

Tinubu Seeks Continental Condemnation of Xenophobic Violence

Addressing regional leaders, Tinubu urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to speak with one voice in condemning the violence directed at Nigerians and other African migrants living in South Africa.

According to the President, a coordinated response from African governments would reinforce the message that xenophobic violence—often described as Afrophobic attacks—has no place within the continent’s vision of unity and integration.

Tinubu also backed a proposal that the matter should be escalated to the African Union (AU) for broader continental discussion during the next meeting of African leaders.

“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” the President said through Vice President Shettima.

Nigeria Highlights Previous Evacuation Efforts

The Nigerian government disclosed that it has evacuated more than 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa through seven separate evacuation operations carried out in response to previous outbreaks of violence.

Tinubu said the Federal Government remains prepared to take additional protective measures if circumstances require, while continuing diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to address the recurring incidents.

The administration reiterated that ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens abroad remains a key foreign policy priority.

Background: A Long-Running Diplomatic Challenge

Relations between Nigeria and South Africa have periodically come under pressure due to repeated attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa over the past decade.

Several waves of violence have targeted African migrants, including Nigerians, leading to:

• Diplomatic protests between Abuja and Pretoria.
• Emergency evacuation programmes organised by the Nigerian government.
• Calls from African leaders and civil society groups for stronger action against xenophobia.
• Renewed debates about the protection of migrants and regional mobility within Africa.

Although both countries maintain strong economic and diplomatic ties, recurring attacks have repeatedly tested bilateral relations.

Tinubu Reaffirms Support for ECOWAS Integration Agenda

Beyond security concerns, Tinubu used the summit to reaffirm Nigeria’s backing for the newly introduced ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration.

He described the initiative as an important roadmap designed to:

• Strengthen cooperation among ECOWAS member states.
• Improve public confidence in regional institutions.
• Enhance economic and political integration.
• Help West Africa respond more effectively to emerging geopolitical and security challenges.

According to the President, stronger regional cooperation remains essential as West African nations confront insecurity, economic pressures, and shifting global dynamics.

Why This Story Matters

Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest populations living and working across the continent, making the safety of its citizens abroad a significant diplomatic issue.

Tinubu’s call signals an effort to move discussions beyond bilateral engagement with South Africa by seeking a coordinated African response through ECOWAS and eventually the African Union.

If adopted, such a position could strengthen continental efforts to combat xenophobia while reinforcing commitments to the African Union’s goals of free movement, regional integration, and the protection of citizens across member states.

Timeline of Key Developments

• Sunday: ECOWAS leaders convene for the 69th Ordinary Session in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
• During the summit: Vice President Kashim Shettima delivers President Tinubu’s address.
• Tinubu calls for ECOWAS to jointly condemn attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
• Nigeria confirms more than 1,490 citizens have previously been evacuated in seven batches.
• The President urges that the issue be presented at the next African Union Heads of State meeting.

What Happens Next?

Attention will now shift to whether ECOWAS adopts a collective position on the attacks and whether the issue is formally placed on the agenda of the next African Union summit.

Observers will also be watching for any further diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa, alongside measures aimed at preventing future attacks on foreign nationals.