Tinubu Urges AU to Address Xenophobic Attacks in SA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally presented Nigeria's concerns about ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against Africans and other nationals in South Africa during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) in Luanda, Angola. He warned that such hostility threatens the continent's solidarity and peaceful coexistence.

Following recent anti-immigrant protests, Nigeria has initiated the voluntary evacuation of over 1,500 of its citizens from South Africa. Tinubu requested that the AU leaders take prompt collective action, including placing the issue on the agenda for the 40th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly scheduled for January 2027.

He emphasized that while South Africa has the right to enforce its immigration laws, the attacks undermine African unity and require urgent attention. Additionally, he advocated for stronger continental efforts to combat xenophobia and Afrophobia, highlighting the importance of dialogue and preventive diplomacy.

Tinubu also aligned Nigeria with the adoption of the Luanda Action Plan for conflict prevention across the continent.