Tinubu Urges African Leaders to Condemn Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa, Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Regional Integration
Tinubu Urges African Leaders to Condemn Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa, Reaffirms Nigeria's Commitment to Regional Integration
Tinubu Urges African Leaders to Condemn Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa, Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Regional Integration
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on African leaders to present a united front in condemning the recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, describing such acts as unacceptable and contrary to the ideals of African unity.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the call on Sunday during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
President Tinubu said a collective condemnation by African nations would send a strong message that intolerance and attacks against fellow Africans have no place on the continent.
He disclosed that the Nigerian Government had already evacuated more than 1,490 Nigerians in seven batches from South Africa following the attacks and remained ready to take additional measures to protect its citizens.
“Nigeria condemns in the strongest terms the recent attacks on its citizens and other Africans in the Republic of South Africa. ECOWAS should present a united voice in this condemnation and ensure the matter is tabled before the next African Union Summit. This will send a clear message that such intolerance is completely unacceptable,” the President stated.
He also reminded South Africa that many African countries, including Nigeria, played significant roles in supporting its struggle against apartheid and the country’s eventual liberation.
Support for ECOWAS Regional Integration Agenda
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the newly adopted ECOWAS Compact for the Future of Regional Integration, describing it as a strategic framework aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, democratic governance, economic integration and institutional trust.
According to him, the Compact reinforces the collective commitment of member states to build a more resilient, peaceful, prosperous and people-centred West Africa capable of meeting the aspirations of over 400 million citizens across the region.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the Compact’s six strategic pillars, including constitutional governance, regional security, economic integration, digital transformation and inclusive development.
Call for Stronger Security Cooperation
The President urged ECOWAS member states to intensify collective efforts against terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime and unconstitutional changes of government.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the establishment of a regional Counter-Terrorism Force and strengthening the ECOWAS Standby Force to improve intelligence sharing, joint military operations and preventive diplomacy across West Africa.
He also stressed the importance of eliminating trade barriers, improving cross-border infrastructure and promoting the free movement of people, goods and services to stimulate economic growth within the region.
Digital Economy and Youth Development
President Tinubu highlighted science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as critical drivers of Africa’s future, expressing support for the establishment of a regional Digital Single Market and stronger cooperation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.
He said such initiatives would promote entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, education and job creation, particularly for young people, while positioning West Africa as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing gender equality, empowering women in leadership, investing in education and skills development, and creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
ECOWAS Leaders Seek Stronger Regional Cooperation
Earlier, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, said the meeting was convened to assess the bloc’s progress and chart a new course for regional integration under the ECOWAS Vision 2050 framework.
He urged member states to strengthen cooperation, build regional resilience and reduce dependency by developing home-grown solutions to emerging political, economic and security challenges.
Also speaking, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed reaffirmed the UN’s support for ECOWAS initiatives, particularly efforts aimed at combating terrorism, promoting peace and strengthening democratic institutions across West Africa.
Meanwhile, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, pledged to deepen regional cooperation on governance, security, humanitarian response and economic development.
A major highlight of the summit was the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) project, a landmark initiative expected to strengthen regional energy cooperation and economic integration across West Africa.
Tinubu Urges African Leaders to Condemn Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa, Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Regional Integration
