ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally raised Nigeria’s concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other foreign nationals in South Africa before the African Union (AU).

Tinubu called for urgent collective action by African leaders to address the attacks, warning that xenophobia undermines African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence.

The President’s position was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda, Angola, on Sunday.

Tinubu Calls for AU Intervention

Representing President Tinubu at the AU meeting, Shettima conveyed Nigeria’s concerns over what the government described as recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans in South Africa.

Tinubu acknowledged South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws but stressed that attacks against African nationals require urgent continental attention.

The President urged African leaders to take stronger steps to protect the safety, dignity and rights of Africans living across the continent.

Issue to Be Discussed at AU Summit

Nigeria has requested that the issue be placed on the agenda of the 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, scheduled for January 2027.

The move would give African leaders an opportunity to consider the issue collectively and determine appropriate measures to address xenophobia and Afrophobia.

Tinubu also called for greater use of dialogue, preventive diplomacy and collective action to tackle tensions involving African nationals.

Nigeria Raises Concern Over Attacks on Its Citizens

The latest development comes after Nigeria previously called on South African authorities to take concrete steps to protect Nigerians and other African migrants.

In July, Nigeria’s government raised concerns over recurring attacks against Nigerians in South Africa and warned that continued violence could strain relations between the two countries.

The issue has become a significant diplomatic concern for Nigeria, particularly because of the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

Tinubu Calls for Stronger African Unity

Tinubu argued that African countries must work together to address challenges affecting citizens across the continent.

He said stronger cooperation and shared responsibility were necessary to preserve African unity and prevent conflicts.

The President also warned against excessive reliance on external actors in dealing with Africa’s security challenges, saying African institutions should take greater ownership of solutions to problems on the continent.

What Happens Next?

The decision to seek AU consideration of the South Africa xenophobia issue places the matter on the broader continental agenda.

Attention will now turn to how other African governments respond and what measures the AU may consider at its next ordinary session.

For Nigerians living in South Africa and other African nationals affected by xenophobic attacks, the government’s latest intervention is expected to increase pressure for stronger protection and accountability.

PressHub Media Agency will continue to monitor developments between Nigeria and South Africa and provide updates on xenophobia, diplomatic relations, Nigerian citizens abroad and major African Union decisions.