Shettima: Nigeria Won't Tolerate Dehumanization in S'Africa

On Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima declared that Nigeria would no longer tolerate the dehumanization and mistreatment of its citizens in South Africa. This statement came as he departed Luanda, Angola, after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

Shettima condemned the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, stating that the pattern of these attacks had crossed a line unacceptable to Nigeria. He referenced Nigeria's historical role in Southern Africa's liberation struggle, urging humility from those who benefited from it.

While advocating for dialogue over confrontation, he stressed that there are limits to restraint. Shettima called on South African authorities to protect lives and uphold human dignity in enforcing immigration policies.

His remarks followed a message from President Tinubu at the summit, where Nigeria formally reported the attacks to the African Union and requested that the issue be placed on the agenda for the AU's 40th Ordinary Session in January 2027.