President Bola Tinubu has called on African leaders to present a united front against the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, describing the violence as unacceptable and a threat to the continent’s unity.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Tinubu urged African nations to jointly condemn the attacks and raise the matter before the African Union.
He stressed that a collective response would send a strong signal that discrimination and violence against fellow Africans have no place on the continent.
According to him, South Africa should remember that its liberation from apartheid was made possible through the sacrifices and support of many African countries, including Nigeria.
The President disclosed that Nigeria has already evacuated more than 1,490 citizens from South Africa in seven separate operations and remains ready to take further measures to protect its nationals if necessary.
Beyond the xenophobia issue, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the newly adopted ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration.
He described the document as a roadmap for strengthening regional cooperation, rebuilding public trust and promoting peace, economic growth and democratic governance across West Africa.
He also urged member states to intensify efforts against terrorism, insecurity and unconstitutional changes of government, insisting that lasting development can only thrive in a peaceful and stable environment.
The President pledged Nigeria’s continued support for the ECOWAS Standby Force and the proposed Counter-Terrorism Force, noting that stronger intelligence sharing and joint security operations would improve regional stability.
Tinubu further advocated the removal of trade barriers, improved cross-border infrastructure and the free movement of people, goods and services to boost economic integration and investment across the region.
He also highlighted the importance of digital transformation, calling for greater investment in technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and innovation to create jobs, expand financial inclusion and position West Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
The Nigerian leader equally reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting gender equality, youth empowerment and quality education, describing young people as key drivers of the region’s future development.
Earlier, ECOWAS Chairman and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio urged member states to strengthen regional cooperation and adapt to emerging global challenges, while United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed pledged the UN’s continued support for ECOWAS initiatives, particularly in the fight against terrorism and insecurity across West Africa.
