Nigeria condemns xenophobic attacks, urges AU action against South Africa

Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa, calling on the Economic Community of West African States to push for the matter to be taken before the African Union to send a strong message that such attacks would not be tolerated.

Shettima made the call on Sunday, while representing President Bola Tinubu at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and the Summit of the Future in Lungi, Sierra Leone, according to a statement issued by the Ministry’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

Addressing regional leaders, the Vice President described the attacks as “Afrophobic” and urged ECOWAS to take a united stand against the violence.

“On Afrophobia, 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,” Shettima said.

He reminded South Africa of the role played by African countries, particularly Nigeria, in its liberation struggle.

“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 said.

The Vice President disclosed that the Nigerian government had already evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven batches following the attacks and remained ready to continue diplomatic engagement on the issue.

“Nigerian government has evacuated one thousand, four hundred and ninety of its citizens in seven (7) batches and is prepared to engage on this matter,” he stated.

He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to working with member states to promote a peaceful, integrated, secure and globally respected West Africa.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was elected Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, succeeding Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, at the close of the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government in Lungi.

The regional leaders also appointed Biram Diop as the new President of the ECOWAS Commission, replacing Dr Omar Alieu Touray.

The summit focused on advancing the ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, strengthening cooperation among member states, promoting peace and security, deepening economic integration, and addressing emerging regional challenges.