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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has raised concerns over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, urging the African Union to take urgent steps to address the situation.
Nigeria’s position was presented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Luanda, Angola, where the Federal Government called for stronger continental action to protect Africans living and working across the continent.
Tinubu urged African leaders to place the issue on the agenda of the 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly scheduled for January 2027, stressing that the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of African nationals must be protected regardless of where they live on the continent.
“Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa,” Tinubu said.
The President acknowledged South Africa’s right as a sovereign nation to enforce its immigration laws, but warned that attacks targeting foreigners go beyond immigration enforcement. According to him, such incidents threaten the spirit of African unity, solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
He called for greater use of dialogue, preventive diplomacy and collective action to confront xenophobia and Afrophobia before they escalate into wider tensions between African countries.
Tinubu also spoke on the broader security challenges facing the continent, backing the Luanda Action Plan and arguing that preventing conflicts is far better and less costly than trying to manage them after violence has already erupted.
He further expressed concern over the increasing involvement of foreign military forces, mercenaries and private defence contractors in African conflicts, warning that such developments could undermine the continent’s ability to take ownership of its own peace and security efforts.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has explained why President Tinubu is currently on a three-week vacation, saying the break is intended to give him time to rest and recharge ahead of what is expected to be a demanding period politically and administratively.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said Tinubu had been heavily occupied with governance matters over the past six to seven months and needed the break to “refuel” before the intense political activities surrounding the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Dare stressed that government business would continue during the President’s absence, with Tinubu expected to remain in touch with developments while on vacation.
The twin developments come as Nigeria continues to push for stronger protection of its citizens abroad, while the Tinubu administration also prepares for an increasingly heated political season ahead of 2027.
