- Tinubu Urges African Leaders to Speak With One Voice Against Xenophobia in South Africa
- Demands Strong African Response
- Nigeria Evacuates 1,490 Citizens From South Africa
President Bola Tinubu has called on African countries to unite in condemning the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying a collective stance would send a strong message that such intolerance has no place on the continent.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Tinubu 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 by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
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The President said ECOWAS should join Ghana in presenting a united condemnation of the attacks and ensure the matter is tabled before the next session of the African Union Assembly.
According to him, a collective response would demonstrate that xenophobia is unacceptable under any guise.
“Nigeria condemns, in the strongest terms, the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa,” Tinubu said.
He added that South Africa should remember that the freedom it enjoys today was achieved through the sacrifices and support of several African countries, including Nigeria.
Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria had already evacuated more than 1,490 citizens from South Africa in seven batches and remained ready to take further action if necessary.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a framework that would strengthen regional solidarity, democratic governance, peace and economic integration.
He said Nigeria remained committed to promoting constitutional rule, the rule of law and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government across West Africa.
Tinubu also pledged continued support for the proposed ECOWAS Counter Terrorism Force and the strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force to improve intelligence sharing, joint security operations and preventive diplomacy.
On economic integration, the President urged member states to remove trade barriers, improve cross-border infrastructure and promote the free movement of people, goods and services to unlock regional prosperity.
He also highlighted the importance of technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, saying the proposed regional digital single market would create jobs, expand financial inclusion and position West Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Earlier, Sierra Leone’s President and ECOWAS Chairman, Julius Maada Bio, said the region must strengthen integration and adapt to emerging global realities to secure a peaceful and prosperous future.
Also speaking, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS and Sahel countries in tackling terrorism and other transnational security threats.
The meeting also featured the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project.
