Tinubu reports South Africa to AU over recurring xenophobic attacks

President Bola Tinubu has raised concerns over recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks in South Africa, formally calling on the African Union (AU) to take collective action.

Tinubu made Nigeria’s position known through Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Luanda, Angola.

The Brandspur Politics Desk reports that the Nigerian president urged African leaders to address the issue at the 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly scheduled for January 2027.

Tinubu calls for collective action

While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Tinubu stressed that attacks targeting Africans and other nationals undermine the unity and peaceful coexistence the continent seeks to promote.

Nigeria, through the president’s message, called on the AU Assembly to place the matter on its agenda for consideration and appropriate action.

Tinubu said, “Nigeria wishes to express its concern over the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa.”

He further stated, “such attacks undermine African solidarity, unity and peaceful coexistence, and require urgent collective attention.”

Nigeria seeks protection for African nationals

The president also urged African leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the safety, protection and dignity of all African nationals, regardless of where they reside on the continent.

His call places the recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa before the continent’s highest political body for further consideration.

The matter is expected to receive attention at the AU Assembly’s 40th Ordinary Session in January 2027, where African leaders will be asked to consider appropriate action.