- Tinubu urged African leaders to jointly condemn xenophobic attacks against Africans in South Africa
- He said Nigeria has evacuated over 1,490 citizens and remains ready to protect its nationals
- The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS integration, regional security and economic cooperation
President Bola Tinubu has called on African nations to speak with one voice in condemning the wave of Afro-phobic attacks, also known as xenophobia, in South Africa, insisting that intolerance against fellow Africans must not be tolerated.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the President made the appeal on Sunday during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He was represented at the summit by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
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Tinubu said a united continental position would send a strong signal that violence and discrimination against Africans living in South Africa are unacceptable.
He disclosed that Nigeria had already evacuated more than 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa in seven separate operations and remained ready to take additional steps if necessary.
According to him, the matter should also be presented before the next meeting of the African Union Heads of State and Government.
Tinubu reminded South Africa that many African countries, including Nigeria, played significant roles in supporting its struggle against apartheid and should not now witness attacks on fellow Africans.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the newly introduced ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a roadmap for strengthening unity, restoring public confidence in regional institutions and addressing emerging geopolitical challenges.
He said the framework would help build a more prosperous, peaceful and resilient West Africa while advancing the aspirations of over 400 million people across the region.
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria would continue to champion regional integration, democratic governance, peace and economic cooperation as one of ECOWAS’ founding members.
He called on member states to strengthen collaboration against insecurity, terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government, noting that sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of instability.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to establishing the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and reinforcing the ECOWAS Standby Force to improve intelligence sharing, joint security operations and preventive diplomacy.
He also pledged support for initiatives aimed at removing trade barriers, improving cross-border infrastructure and promoting the free movement of people, goods and services within West Africa.
Highlighting the importance of technology, Tinubu welcomed plans for a regional Digital Single Market, saying investments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and innovation would create jobs, expand financial inclusion and drive economic growth across the sub-region.
He further reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting gender equality, youth empowerment, education and entrepreneurship to ensure broader participation in regional development.
Earlier, Sierra Leonean President and ECOWAS Chairman, Julius Maada Bio, said the summit provided an opportunity to assess the bloc’s progress and chart a new course for the future under the ECOWAS Vision 2050 agenda.
Bio urged member states to strengthen regional cooperation, reduce dependency on external actors and prepare collectively for emerging challenges, including climate change, insecurity and global economic disruptions.
Also speaking, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed reaffirmed the UN’s support for ECOWAS efforts to combat terrorism and promote peace across West Africa and the Sahel.
She urged the UN Security Council to support African-led solutions to the continent’s security challenges.
A major outcome of the summit was the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, aimed at boosting regional energy cooperation and economic integration.
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