President Bola Tinubu has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to take a firm and united stand against the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, insisting that the regional bloc must not remain silent in the face of such violence.
Tinubu made the call during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi, Sierra Leone, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him.
The President described the attacks as unacceptable and contrary to the spirit of African unity, stressing that ECOWAS should collectively condemn the incidents and ensure the matter is presented before the African Union for broader continental action.
ALSO READ Xenophobic attacks: 268 returnees arrive in Lagos from South Africa
According to him, Nigeria strongly condemns the attacks on its citizens and other Africans living in South Africa, warning that continued silence could embolden perpetrators and undermine the ideals of regional integration and solidarity.
Tinubu maintained that a unified position by African leaders would send a clear message that intolerance, violence and discrimination against fellow Africans have no place on the continent.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens wherever they reside, while calling on South African authorities to take decisive steps to halt the attacks and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The renewed appeal comes amid reports of fresh attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, which prompted the evacuation of hundreds of Nigerian citizens in recent days.
