Fresh Tension As Nigeria Pushes ECOWAS To Act Over South Africa Xenophobia

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a united African response to the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, urging the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to escalate the matter to the African Union (AU).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Tinubu made the appeal through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone.

Addressing regional leaders, the President strongly condemned what he described as Afrophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other Africans residing in South Africa.

“Nigeria condemns in the strongest terms the recent Afrophobic attacks on its citizens and other fellow Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” Tinubu said.

“As earlier suggested by the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should table this matter before the next meeting of the African Union Authority to send a clear message that such actions are unacceptable.”

Tinubu also reminded South Africa of the critical role played by several African nations, including Nigeria, in supporting its struggle against apartheid.

“South Africa should remember that the freedom it enjoys today was made possible through the sacrifices and liberation efforts of African countries such as Nigeria,” he stated.

The President disclosed that the Federal Government had so far evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven separate batches and remained ready to take further diplomatic steps if necessary.

His remarks followed recent comments by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who hinted that Nigeria could consider reciprocal measures over the attacks, while noting that the National Assembly was expected to make recommendations on the issue.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have condemned the attacks and are currently reviewing the situation, while Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has urged the Federal Government to institute legal proceedings against South Africa before the African Court.

Beyond the xenophobia crisis, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the newly adopted ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a strategic framework for strengthening regional unity, economic cooperation, democratic governance and sustainable development.

“As the largest economy and one of the founding members of ECOWAS, Nigeria remains committed to promoting regional unity, peace, economic integration and democratic governance,” he said.

He pledged Nigeria’s continued support for implementing the compact and advancing its objectives, including eliminating trade barriers, improving cross-border infrastructure and promoting the free movement of people, goods and services across West Africa.

Speaking on governance, Tinubu warned that insecurity and political instability remain major obstacles to development across the sub-region.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, while cautioning against unconstitutional changes of government and the manipulation of constitutional term limits.

“Beyond military adventurism, the best way to prevent unconstitutional changes of government and mass protests capable of threatening public order is to provide good governance that delivers real benefits to our people,” he said.

“We must also resist the temptation to tamper with constitutional term limits or manipulate constitutional processes.”

The President further reiterated Nigeria’s support for the proposed ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and efforts to strengthen the ECOWAS Standby Force through enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military operations and preventive diplomacy.

He also pledged continued support for gender equality, greater opportunities for women in leadership, investment in education and skills development, youth entrepreneurship and programmes aimed at empowering young people across the region.

On relations with the Alliance of Sahel States, Tinubu stressed the need for sustained dialogue and constructive engagement to preserve regional unity and reinforce ECOWAS.

In his remarks, Sierra Leone’s President and summit host, Julius Maada Bio, said the gathering provided an opportunity for leaders to assess ECOWAS’ achievements and chart a new course for the region.

He described ECOWAS Vision 2050 as a blueprint for building a peaceful, prosperous and integrated West Africa founded on democratic governance and innovation.

Meanwhile, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, highlighted progress in democratic governance, election support, regional security cooperation and humanitarian interventions.

He also pointed to key infrastructure projects, including the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway, as major milestones in advancing West Africa’s economic integration and long-term development.