President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a united continental response to the recent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, urging the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to place the matter before the African Union (AU).
The President made the appeal at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, where he was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Addressing regional leaders, Tinubu strongly condemned what he described as Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans residing in South Africa, insisting that such acts undermine the ideals of African unity and solidarity.
“Nigeria condemns in strong terms the recent Afrophobic attack on its citizens and other fellow Africans in the Republic of South Africa.
“As already mentioned by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, ECOWAS should present this matter before the next meeting of the Authority of the African Union to send a clear message that this type of behaviour is unacceptable,” he said.
The President also reminded South Africa of the sacrifices made by several African countries during the anti-apartheid struggle, noting that Nigeria played a significant role in the country’s liberation.
“South Africa should be reminded that the freedom the country currently enjoys is due to the liberation efforts of African countries such as Nigeria,” he added.
Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government had evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven batches following the attacks and reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to continue diplomatic engagement on the issue.
His remarks come days after the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, hinted that Nigeria could consider retaliatory measures in response to the attacks, while indicating that the National Assembly would make recommendations on the matter.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have already condemned the attacks and are reviewing developments, while Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, recently urged the Federal Government to institute legal action against South Africa before the African Court.
Beyond the xenophobia issue, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the newly adopted ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a strategic framework for advancing regional unity, economic cooperation, democratic governance and sustainable development.
“As the largest economy and one of the key founding members of our Regional Economic Community, Nigeria remains steadfast in its historic responsibility to continue the promotion of regional unity, peace, economic integration and democratic governance,” he said.
The President assured member states that Nigeria would continue working with regional partners to implement the compact and achieve its objectives.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to dismantling trade barriers, improving cross-border infrastructure and promoting the free movement of people, goods and services across West Africa.
On democratic governance, Tinubu identified insecurity and political instability as major obstacles to the region’s development, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and opposition to unconstitutional changes of government.
He, however, warned that poor governance and attempts to manipulate constitutional provisions could equally destabilise democratic institutions.
“Beyond adventurism, the most effective tool against unconstitutional changes of government and mass protests capable of undermining public order is for us to enthrone good governance that delivers more tangible benefits to our citizens.
“We must also avoid the temptation to tamper with constitutional term limits or exploit constitutional processes,” he said.
Tinubu further reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the proposed ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force and efforts to strengthen the ECOWAS Standby Force through enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military operations and preventive diplomacy.
He also pledged continued support for policies promoting gender equality, expanding opportunities for women in leadership, investing in education and skills development, encouraging youth entrepreneurship and empowering young people across the region.
Speaking on relations with the Alliance of Sahel States, the President stressed the need for sustained dialogue and constructive engagement to preserve regional unity and strengthen ECOWAS.
Host President Julius Maada Bio described the summit as an opportunity for West African leaders to assess the bloc’s progress and chart a new course for regional integration, while President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, highlighted achievements in democratic governance, regional security, humanitarian response and major infrastructure projects, including the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Project.