Nigeria Considers AU Intervention Over Xenophobic Attacks

The Federal Government of Nigeria is contemplating an intervention from the African Union in response to ongoing xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, disclosed this during a prime-time appearance on Arise TV on Thursday.

He expressed deep concern over the repeated attacks on foreign nationals, which undermine the ideals of African unity and solidarity. Enikanolaiye stated that Nigeria continues to engage with South African authorities at various levels to ensure the safety of its citizens residing in the country.

He condemned the encouragement of violence against Nigerians by certain leaders, labeling it as totally unacceptable. The Nigerian government is committed to preventing further escalation of these attacks and maintaining that African countries must collectively protect their residents, regardless of nationality.

Following the recent xenophobic violence, the first batch of 268 Nigerians was evacuated from South Africa, arriving in Lagos on Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight, as part of the federal government's repatriation efforts amidst growing safety concerns.